Woven Mat Yolŋu weavers of Arnhem Land create utilitarian, ceremonial, and decorative pieces using naturally sourced materials. This mat is made from young Pandanus spiralis leaves, harvested with a wooden hook, stripped of prickles, and dried to create strong, resilient fibres. These fibres are then twisted, coiled, or woven using Read more…
Gapamada (stone axe) Gapamada are ground-edged stone axes that were used as weapons, chopping tools to chop wood, remove tree barks, butcher large animals, and during ceremonial practices. Designed over 60,000 years ago, gapamada are usually rounded or oval in shape and are made from hard types of stone, particularly Read more…
Woven Stingray Yolŋu weavers of Arnhem Land craft both utilitarian and ceremonial objects using naturally sourced materials, with more recent works also including decorative pieces, such as this woven stingray. The primary material used in this piece is the young, green leaves of the Pandanus spiralis tree, that were harvested Read more…
Woven Stingray Yolŋu weavers of Arnhem Land craft both utilitarian and ceremonial objects using naturally sourced materials, with more recent works also including decorative pieces, such as this woven stingray. The primary material used in this piece is the young, green leaves of the Pandanus spiralis tree, that were harvested Read more…
Lungurrma (North-east Wind) Lungurrma (North-east Wind) heralds the new season when seas are calm and new growth starts. The months for this type of wind are October to December. There are big clouds without thunder or rain. The triangular patterning represents monsoon clouds ‘standing up’ on the northern horizon. The Read more…
Dupun (Hollow log) Dupuns (hollow log coffins) were traditionally used by Yolngu people as a type of coffin. They are made from tree trunks which have been hollowed out by termites and painted by clan members of the deceased depicting totemic motifs and clan patterns relevant to the person. Many Read more…
Raypiny Dhawu (Fresh Water Story) All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘spiritual reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes made by Wangarr (creative spirits) that were created long ago close to the beginning of Read more…
Raypiny Dhawu (Fresh Water Story) All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘spiritual reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes made by Wangarr (creative spirits) that were created long ago close to the beginning of Read more…
Raypiny Dhawu (Fresh Water Story) All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘spiritual reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes made by Wangarr (creative spirits) that were created long ago close to the beginning of Read more…
Woven Stingray Yolŋu weavers of Arnhem Land craft both utilitarian and ceremonial objects using naturally sourced materials, with more recent works also including decorative pieces, such as this woven stingray. The primary material used in this piece is the young, green leaves of the Pandanus spiralis tree, that were harvested Read more…