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Mindirr (Pandanus Bag)

Miṉḏirr (dilly bags) are made from gunga (Pandanus spiralis), baḻgurr (kurrajong) and natural bush dyes. The body of the miṉḏirr is made from gunga, and the handles from baḻgurr. Once the gunga fronds and baḻgurr bark have been collected, they are stripped and prepared then boiled with the dyes.

Miṉḏirr were used traditionally for every day utilitarian purposes, particularly collecting bush foods such as bäḻtji (yam). Traditionally, the baḻgurr handles were worn across the forehead while the body of the miṉḏirr sat at the back, between the shoulder blades making it easily accessible when collecting ŋatha (food).

Categories: Bula'bula Arts

Name: Evonne Munuyngu


Language: Mandhalpuy


Community: Ramingining


Biography:

Evonne Munuyngu was born at Mirrngatja Outstation on the Eastern edge of the Arafura Swamp, later moving to Galiwin’ku for schooling. Munuyngu was taught to weave by her mother and other family and would often collect pandanus on her way home from school to practice.

Evonne attended Shepherdson College on Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island) before marrying and moving to Gapuwiyak (Lake Evella) with her husband (dec.). It was here that Evonne began working at the local shop and later as a cleaner at the school. After the death of her husband, Evonne moved to Ramingining to be close to her family.

Since 2003, Munuyngu’s dilly bags, woven mats, and balgurr string bags have been featured in several group exhibitions throughout Australia, cementing her position as a talented and passionate artist. Evonne collects pandanus and weaves daily alongside her sister, Master Weaver Mary Dhapalany, and extended family at Bula’bula Arts.


© the artist / art centre