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Au-gujechiya (fishtrap) Screen Print

TITLE                          Au-gujechiya

YEAR                          2022

MEDIUM                     Screen print

DETAILS                    2 screen

Au-gujechiya  means  fishtrap in the Burrarra language which is one of the traditional  languages spoken in the Maningrida region. Elizabeth’s homeland is Gupanga, Arnhem Land which located on a saltwater estuary, a great place for catching fish.

Elizabeth obtained permission from her djunkay to create a screen print design about a historic object traditionally used to trap fish in rivers, creeks, and estuaries. 

In the early wet season, fish swim upstream for breeding in creeks and billabongs, then downstream to spend the dry season in larger rivers. The traps would be set to face the oncoming fish, with woven fencing either side. Within the mouth of the trap is a woven funnel that guides the fish in and prevents their escape. The clever design ensures that only adult fish are caught as smaller fish can escape through the weaving or even through the funnel. The fish that are caught can survive in the trap for up to two months. Once the trap is removed, the end is untied to remove the fish. This sustainable design means the trap can be used again and again. 

Categories: Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation

Name: Elizabeth Wullunmingu

Language: Burarra

Community: Maningrida

Biography:

‘I drew on the inspiration of my mothers designs.’ Elizabeth Wullunmingu 2021

Elizabeth was born in Darwin. She started sewing and designing at Bábbarra in 2010 and is a key member of the sewing team. Elizabeth’s intricate lino print designs depict the marine life from her salt water homeland of Gupanga.

Elizabeth says her artistic talent comes from her late mother Doris Gingingara who painted textile prints for Desert Designs in the 1980's. Elizabeth has recently started drawing in texta in a style that reflect the colourful line work made famous by her mother.

Elizabeth designed and sewed outfits for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Her screen print design Rrugurrgurda (Mud Crab) was part of the successful KipandCo x Babbarra homewares collection in 2020.

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