Bula’bula Arts

Buliya (catfish) Buliya (catfish) are a favourite fish for Yolngu, They are often depicted amongst the waterlillies, leeches and natural debris such as leaves and reeds.    

Charlie Djurritjini Juritjini – Gandayala (red kangaroo) Gandayala – the red kangaroo is the creation ancestor of Ramingining. The Gandayala/Garrtjambal story, is from Gudthaykudthay’s mother’s country. Gudthaykudthay is junggayi (land manager) for Ramingining, through his mother’s lineage.   Garrtjambal travelled from Roper River in the south through what is now Read more…

Bathi (Pandanus Basket) Bathi are woven from the split leaves of the Screw Palm (Pandanus Spiralis). Coil weaving was introduced to Arnhem Land in the 1930s. It was adapted from techniques used by Indigenous women throughout South East Australia.

Giny’kiny (Catfish) Giny’kiny (cat fish) are a totemic species significant to the Gupapuyngu clan. They are represented through storylines and songlines through art and bunggul (dance). The lines in the painting depict the ripples in which the Giny’kiny created when swimming through the shallow waters. During bunggul (dance) the ripples Read more…

Dhirrithirri (ceremonial skirt) Dhirrithirri is a ceremonial skirt made from balgurr (kurrajong). They are worn by both men and women for different ceremonies particularly dhapi (boys initiation ceremony).

Dhirrithirri (ceremonial skirt) Dhirrithirri is a ceremonial skirt made from balgurr (kurrajong). They are worn by both men and women for different ceremonies particularly dhapi (boys initiation ceremony).

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 Read more…