Bula’bula Arts

Woven Barramundi

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…

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. This one was a special commission for Denise Bowden.

Woven Mat Traditionally, Nganiyal (conical mats) were used as an insect screen when erected, and as a sitting mat when folded. They are used in Ceremony as well as a functional item.  Nowadays, artists weave many different shapes including flat, round and oblong. 

Status: Stock Gulwirri (Arafura Palm) Kids T-shirt by JB Fisher This tshirt was designed by Yolŋu artist JB Fisher in Ramingining, Arnhem Land.  With its massive trunk it is one of Australia’s most imposing palms and it has a spectacular single display of flowering and fruiting before dying. This is part of JB’s Read more…

Mindirr (Pandanus Bag) Commonly know as “dilly dags”, mindirr are woven from the split leaves of the Screw Palm (Pandanus Spiralis). They are made in various shapes and sizes and are worn hanging down the back with the string handle across the forehead.

Mindirr (Pandanus Bag) Commonly know as “dilly dags”, mindirr are woven from the split leaves of the Screw Palm (Pandanus Spiralis). They are made in various shapes and sizes and are worn hanging down the back with the string handle across the forehead.

Djunggaliwarr ga wayanaka (conch shell and oysters) This painting is of a conch shell and the “U” shapes are oysters. The rrark (cross hatching) is representing water. As part of Evonne’s family tradition To make these intricate table mats, artists collect the young leaves from the Pandanus Spiralis palm tree. They Read more…

Djerrk / Gay’wu (Bush String Bag) Hand spun bush string is made from the inner bark of the Banyan tree (ficus viarens), the Karrajong tree (brachychiton paradoxum) or the Cocky Apple tree (planchonia careya). The bark from the young tree is beaten or chewed whilst still fresh. It is than Read more…

Fish Net Fish Net – The story of Bululidj, the creek on the other side of Nangalala. Surrounded by the weeds and water lilies the fish trap is hidden in the creek, the fish entering are the saratoga, barramundi, catfish and other small ones.