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: Evonne Munuyngu
Language: Mandhalpuy
Community: Ramingining
Biography:
Evonne Munuyngu was born at Mirrngatja Outstation on the Eastern edge of the Arafura Swamp, later moving to Galiwin’ku for schooling. Munuyngu was taught to weave by her mother and other family and would often collect pandanus on her way home from school to practice.
Evonne attended Shepherdson College on Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island) before marrying and moving to Gapuwiyak (Lake Evella) with her husband (dec.). It was here that Evonne began working at the local shop and later as a cleaner at the school. After the death of her husband, Evonne moved to Ramingining to be close to her family.
Since 2003, Munuyngu’s dilly bags, woven mats, and balgurr string bags have been featured in several group exhibitions throughout Australia, cementing her position as a talented and passionate artist. Evonne collects pandanus and weaves daily alongside her sister, Master Weaver Mary Dhapalany, and extended family at Bula’bula Arts.
Good bush food story This is a story of the artists dreaming and his family. A freshwater story of looking for food, you can see the long-neck turtles and file snakes in the water. It Read more…
Evonne’s Buliya (catfish) dhawu (story) In this painting, Evonne has painted her Mari (mothers, mother) dreaming of Buliya (catfish). This is a freshwater story from Ganalbingu country in the Arafura Wetlands. Evonne’s Mari taught Evonne’s Read more…
Baru Dhawu (Crocodile Story) Baru (the crocodile man), was from the Gumatj clan. People usually call him Gurdu Gurdu or Baru which means crocodile. He lived his life at a place called Yirrkala. Living near Read more…