111982367910

Published by on



Dilly Bag

Kun-madj, or dilly bag, is a large woven collecting basket. These large bags are often made from the vine Malasia scandens, a strong pliable plant which grows along the floor and into the canopy of monsoon vine thickets. The bags are used to collect any kind of large numbers of heavy foods such as fish caught in conical fish traps or large collections of yams.

They can also be made from Pandanus spiralis, a plant which grows in many areas of Arnhem Land. These dilly bags are a tightly woven collecting basket, very finely made. These dilly bags are often used to collect sugarbag, the native honey

As well as being of practical use, dilly bags are also of religious significance to Arnhem Land people. Dilly bags are said to be totemic objects and associated with particular sites in the landscape

Name: Nola Garrba


Language: Burarra


Community: Jimardi


Biography:

Nola Garrba is an experienced and accomplished fibre artist, working predominantly with locally harvested materials such as pandanus (Pandanus spiralis) and natural dyes. Her impressive weaving skills have been acquired through a lifetime of watching and learning from her mother, grandmothers and the women around her, and many years spent practicing and honing her skills. 

Based at the outstation of Jimardi, near the serene, shell-lined coastline east of Maningrida and the Blythe River, Nola has become known for creating intricate, tightly woven artworks. In particular, she is adept at making Mun-dirra, a fish net fence traditionally used in conjunction with An-gujechiya (fish trap), and is amongst a new generation of fibre artist re-imagining age-old techniques through experimentation with colour, form and material. 

Having just recently engaged with Maningrida Arts & Culture in 2024, Nola will be participating in her first group show in June 2025. 


© the artist / art centre