Hand spun bush string is made from the inner bark of the Banyan tree (ficus viarens), the Kurrajong tree (brachychiton paradoxum) or the Cocky Apple tree (planchonia careya). The bark from the young tree is beaten or chewed whilst still fresh. It is than pounded with a stone to separate the fibres which are then rolled and spun on the thigh. The string is then knitted or knotted to create a bag.
Name: Margaret Djarrbalabal
Language: Ganalbingu
Community: Ramingining
Biography:
Margaret Djarbalarbal Malibirr is a fibre artist most known for traditional ceremonial pieces that incorporate natural materials such as balgurr (kurrajob bark), feathers, and gunga (pandanus spiralis).
One of Bula'bula Art's most established weavers, Margaret has had works shown in an incredible selection of Australian and international group exhibitions dating back to 1989.
Mapu (egg) hunting This is as ancient story about how Yolngu used to collect food. They would go out into the swamp in their bark canoes and collect all the magpie geese eggs. You Read more…
Raypiny Dhawu (Fresh Water Story) All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘spiritual reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes Read more…
Raypiny Dhawu (Fresh Water Story) All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘spiritual reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes Read more…