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Kunmadj

Kunmadj 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.

Name: Temika Namundja


Language: Kuninjku



Biography:

Temika is the youngest artist at Babbarra Women's Centre and the granddaughter of renowned artist, Deborah Kamanj Wurrkidj. 

Her keen eye for detail and natural ability to blend complementary colours reflect her artistic family background.

She is printing many of her grandmother’s totems, including Yawkyawk (young woman spirit) and kunmadj (basket).  

Temika attended Homelands school at Kakodebuldi Outstation and is keen to learn as much as she can about Bábbarra Designs.


© the artist / art centre