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Kunmadj (dillybag) and Birlmu (Barra)

Kun-madj is the Kuninjku term for large woven collecting baskets, known as dillybags. They are often made from the burney vine (Malaisia scandens), a strong, pliable plant that grows along the ground and into the canopy of monsoon vine thickets. The baskets are used to collect a variety of heavy foods, such as fish caught in conical fish traps or a good harvest of yams. As well as being of practical use, dillybags are of cultural significance to Arnhem Land people. Dillybags are totemic objects and they are associated with particular sites in the landscape.

Categories: Babbarra Women’s Centre

Name: Abigail Namunjdja

Language: Kuninjku

Community: Maningrida

Biography:

Abigail has been working with Bábbarra Designs since 2012. She comes from a strong line of talented artists, her mother is Jennifer Wurrkidj and her grandmother was the late Helen Lanyinwanga. Three generations of women from Abigail’s family worked together at Bábbarra Women’s Centre, sharing knowledge and creating new designs together.

Abigail's totems are Gungura (Spiral wind) and Kunwardde (Stone country rocks).

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