Shields were used as modesty shields for women, normally worn around the shoulders or around the waist. This shield has been made from balgurr (kurrajong). The balgurr is removed from the trunk of trees, the inner bark removed then stripped and smashed to soften. It is boiled to further soften and sometimes boiled with natural bush dyes. Once dried, the balgurr is rolled in to bush string then used to create weavings.
Name: Kathleen Malpamba
Language: Djinba
Community: Ramingining
Biography:
Kathleen is daughter of renowned weaver Robyn Djunginy Malibirr and her style is reminiscent of her Mothers, from whom she learnt to weave. Kathleen creates dynamic colour palettes with the dyes she makes from natural materials harvested from the jungle in her home in Gurrwiliny (Arafura Wetland) in North East Arnhem Land. She also makes a rare luminescent green from the inside of the pandanus tree which is something inherent in her families work.
Kathleen is an extraordinary weaver who also works hard on the community in the womens safe house and she is also highly skilled at hunting and fishing. She is a strong Yolngu Miyalkc(woman)
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