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Bathi (Pandanus Basket)

Yolŋu weavers of Arnhem Land create utilitarian, ceremonial, and decorative pieces using naturally sourced materials. This Bathi (Pandanus Basket) 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 various techniques to produce both functional and decorative baskets.

Typically, Bathi are made using a coiling technique which was adapted from techniques used by Indigenous women throughout Southeast Australia. Introduced to Arnhem Land weavers in the 1930’s as Missionaries began commissioning pieces in this style.

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: Daphne Banyawarra

Language: Ganalbingu

Community: Ramingining

Biography:

Daphne Banyawarra is a strong Ganalbingu woman from Gurrwiliny (Arafura Wetlands) and has been a long term member of the Bula'bula Arts members and board.

She has worked as a teacher and travelled around Australia and overseas and now works as a consultant, translator and interpreter as well as a being a community leader with many family responsibilities. Banyawarra supports artist members in their creative projects and assists in communications between facilitators and artists thus achieving strong and extraordinary results.

Banyawarra weaves mats and dilly bags, traditional ritual objects and is also responsible for up keeping her families ceremonial objects which are passed on through generations. Such objects need repair and maintenance from a skilled and trusted craftsperson with old inherited knowledge.

Banyawarra’s weaving is tight and meticulous with strong vibrant colours harvested from very particular parts of the jungle surround Ramingining to gain particular tones.

 

 

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