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Woven Mat

Yolŋu weavers of Arnhem Land create utilitarian, ceremonial, and decorative pieces using naturally sourced materials. This mat is made from young Pandanus spiralis leaves, harvested with a wooden hook, stripped of prickles, and dried to create strong, resilient fibres. These fibres are then twisted, coiled, or woven using traditional techniques to produce both functional and decorative mats.

Bula’bula weavers exclusively use natural dyes, derived from locally sourced roots, leaves and grasses. These pigments are extracted and infused into pandanus fibres by boiling over an open fire, producing the rich, vibrant colours characteristic of contemporary Yolŋu weavings.

Traditionally, Nganiyal (conical mats) functioned as insect screens when erected and as seating mats when folded, playing an important role in both daily life and ceremonial practices. Today, Yolŋu artists create a variety of shapes, including flat, round, and oblong mats. These non-traditional styles and the use of bright colours became more common after Missionaries began commissioning pieces in this style.

Categories: Bula'bula Arts

Name: Mary Dhapalany (1)

Language: Mandhalpuy

Community: Ramingining

Biography:

Mary is a proud Mandhalpuy woman has been a practicing artist for four decades, and her weaving artwork is representative of traditional craft passed down through generations of women weavers in her family. The 70-year-old artist uses natural dyes, extracted from earth pigment or plant roots, to colour the pandanus leaf (gunga) used in her work. Mary is considered a master weaver in Arnhem Land. Due to her career and accolades, she has made Yolngu weaving visible.

Mary’s weavings are much sought after and she was recently invited to represent Australia in the Aichi Triennale, Japan and in Craft Masters Asia Pacific Program, China. Her pieces are in the following collections; National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Chicago School of Business, Artbank, Sydney, University of Sydney and Janet Holmes a’ Court Collection. Mary was part of the team who won the National Indigenous Fashion Award for her collaboration with MAARA designer Julie Shaw. Mary was the recent recipient of the World Crafts Council Asia Pacific Region Craft Master Award in 2023.

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