Traditionally, Nganiyal (conical mats) were used as an insect screen when erected, and as a sitting mat when folded. They are used in Ceremony as well as a functional item.
Nowadays, artists weave many different shapes including flat, round and oblong.
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)
Dhawurr/batjbarra fish trap Fish traps are placed into the river to face the oncoming fish. The woven tunnel traps the fish and prevents their escape. The traps are tapered so when they are submerged in the water, Read more…
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…