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Wayuk

Wayuk (Waterlily) Nymphaea violacea. 

The stem of wayuk is a popular bushfood and the beautiful flower is enjoyed across Arnhem Land. 

This fabric was created using the linocut printing technique. The lino tile has been carved by the artist in Maningrida, and has been printed by hand using a variety of colours and layers. The linocut technique ensures each textile piece is a one-off, limited edition piece. Bábbarra Women’s Centre supports the economic independence of Indigenous women in the Arnhem Land community of Maningrida, Northern Territory, Australia. Designs created by the women at Bábbarra reflect strong cultural knowledge, which is passed down to younger generations through their textile design practice.

Categories: Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation

Name: Abigail Gurawiliwili Namundja

Language: Ndjébbana, Kune, Kuninjku

Community: Maningrida

Biography:

Abigail has been an artist with Bábbarra Designs since 2012 and joined the Arts Worker team in 2023. She comes from a strong lineage of talented artists, including her mother, the late Jennifer Wurrkidj, and her grandmother, the late Helen Lanyinwanga. Three generations of women from Abigail’s family have worked together at the Bábbarra Women’s Centre, sharing knowledge and creating new designs. Abigail often prints linocuts from her family’s collection, carrying forward the memory and legacy of the women who came before her.

Abigail's totems are Gungura (spiral wind), Kunwardde (stone country rocks), Yawkyawk (young woman spirit), and Kandji (Jabiru). She also honors her mother's dreaming, Ngalyod (rainbow serpent), in her work. Abigail loves to celebrate the wildflowers of Arnhem Land in her designs.

Abigail’s Lino print fabrics are distinguished by her expert use of color, often incorporating ombré or rainbow effects that enhance the depth and vibrancy of her textile designs.

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