Bula’bula Arts

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).

Matjka (Ceremonial Body Wear) Matjka are ceremonial body adornments made from balgurr (Kurrajong). The bark is stripped from the tree, smashed with a rock to soften then boiled, sometimes with natural bush dyes. The balgurr is then rolled in the a rope then used to create ceremonial wear. 

Matjka (Ceremonial Body Wear) Matjka are ceremonial body adornments made from balgurr (Kurrajong). The bark is stripped from the tree, smashed with a rock to soften then boiled, sometimes with natural bush dyes. The balgurr is then rolled in the a rope then used to create ceremonial wear. 

Malka (Ceremonial Head Wear) Malka are ceremonial head adornments made from balgurr (Kurrajong). The bark is stripped from the tree, smashed with a rock to soften then boiled, sometimes with natural bush dyes. The balgurr is then rolled in the a rope then used to create ceremonial wear. 

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.

Ngambi (limestone spearheads) This painting illustrates elements from the Wagilag Sisters’ Creation story.  Ngambi are the stone spear heads that the sisters collected at Ngilipitji on their way to Mirarrmina. The Wagilag Sisters’ Story is primarily an account of how in the distant past the two Wagilag Sisters came out Read more…

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.