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Woven Sculpture (Hat)

Yolŋu weavers of Arnhem Land craft both utilitarian and ceremonial objects using naturally sourced materials, with more recent works also including decorative pieces. The choice of fibre depends on the intended function of each piece.

One of the primary materials is the young, green leaves of the Pandanus spiralis tree, harvested with a long hook. The leaves are stripped of their prickles, and the smaller fibres are dried to produce a strong, resilient material. These fibres can be twisted, coiled, or combined using various techniques to create baskets (Bathi), dillybags (Mindirr), and mats—both in the modern flat style and the traditional conical style (Nganiyal).

For more flexible, open-weave designs, weavers use the bark of the kurrajong tree. This material is particularly suited for dillybags (Mindirr) and ceremonial objects, such as Matjka (body adornments) and Malka (headwear).

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.

Categories: Bula'bula Arts

Name: Janice Djupuduwuy

Language: Djinba

Community: Ramingining

Biography:

Janice Djupuduwuy is an emerging fibre artist, making a name for herself with her distinct and contemporary pieces. Over the last decade as a Bula'bula Arts artist, Janice has been creating a portfolio of creative weavings that stand out for their innovative and unique style.

Janice’s mother, prolific fibre artist Robyn Djunginy, was known for her significant contribution to Contemporary Indigenous Art. Making her mark as one of the first Ramingining women to showcase her weaving skills on a global scale. One piece that left a particular impression, was her woven pandanus bottles.

Janice carries forward her mother’s remarkable legacy in her current work. Weaving in her mother’s style brings Janice joy and keeps her mother’s memory alive throughout her creative process.

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