Margaret has used traditional weaving methods to create this blanket from the bark of a stringybark tree. The plant material is worked and treated in the ways passed on from ancestors and in doing so, Yolngu recreate and identify with sacred ceremonial objects which connect Yolngu to each other, to their past, their Creative Beings and to their Country.
The spreading out of a blanket is an act of welcome for Yolngu.
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.
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…