Bula’bula Arts

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Bathi (Pandanus Basket)

Yolŋu weavers of Arnhem Land create utilitarian, ceremonial, and decorative pieces using naturally sourced materials. This Bathi (Pandanus Basket) 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 various techniques to produce both functional and decorative baskets.

Typically, Bathi are made using a coiling technique which was adapted from techniques used by Indigenous women throughout Southeast Australia. Introduced to Arnhem Land weavers in the 1930’s as Missionaries began commissioning pieces in this style.

Bula’bula weavers exclusively use natural dyes, derived from locally sourced roots, leaves and grasses. These pigments are extracted and infused into pandanus fibres by boiling over an open fire, producing the rich, vibrant colours characteristic of contemporary Yolŋu weavings.

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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 traditional techniques to produce both functional and decorative mats.

Bula’bula weavers exclusively use natural dyes, derived from locally sourced roots, leaves and grasses. These pigments are extracted and infused into pandanus fibres by boiling over an open fire, producing the rich, vibrant colours characteristic of contemporary Yolŋu weavings.

Traditionally, Nganiyal (conical mats) functioned as insect screens when erected and as seating mats when folded, playing an important role in both daily life and ceremonial practices. Today, Yolŋu artists create a variety of shapes, including flat, round, and oblong mats. These non-traditional styles and the use of bright colours became more common after Missionaries began commissioning pieces in this style.

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Djarrka (goanna)

Djarrka is a freshwater goanna that can be found in small inland creeks and feeds on small crabs and yabbies. People hunt this goanna for food and they can be very delicious to eat, like other meats you can find around and in the creek. Djarrka is a Dhuwa water goanna and it plays a big part in some ceremonies. In nearly all Liyagawumirr Dhuwa ceremony like Djungguwan, Ngulmarrk, and Liyagalawumirr Ngarra, Djarrka is represented. The ceremonies are very secret to both women and children and those not in this group and unconnected to Yolngu lifestyle and their beliefs. It is very taboo to speak about.

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Dhawurr or Batjbarra (Fish Trap)

Dhawurr, or Batjbarra, is a traditional fishing method used by Indigenous people in the Arafura Swamp and surrounding wetlands of Arnhem Land. Yolŋu now prefer the modern fishing methods of reels and bait, however, weavers continue to make Batjbarra for cultural conservation and to be sold as decorative pieces.

When used for practical purposes, the Batjbarra was placed into the river with the opening facing oncoming fish. The woven tunnel trapped the fish with the weave tight enough to prevent escape but loose enough to allow water to freely flow through. The traps tapered so that when they were submerged, the water pressure wedged them into place.

The primary material used in this piece is the young, green leaves of the Pandanus spiralis tree, that were harvested using a long wooden hook. The leaves are stripped of their prickles, with the smaller fibres being dried to produce a strong, resilient material. These fibres are then twisted, coiled, or combined using various techniques to create the fish trap.

Bula’bula weavers exclusively use natural dyes, derived from locally sourced roots, leaves and grasses. These pigments are extracted and infused into pandanus fibres by boiling over an open fire, producing the rich, vibrant colours characteristic of contemporary Yolŋu weavings.

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Dhawurr or Batjbarra (Fish Trap)

Dhawurr, or Batjbarra, is a traditional fishing method used by Indigenous people in the Arafura Swamp and surrounding wetlands of Arnhem Land. Yolŋu now prefer the modern fishing methods of reels and bait, however, weavers continue to make Batjbarra for cultural conservation and to be sold as decorative pieces.

When used for practical purposes, the Batjbarra was placed into the river with the opening facing oncoming fish. The woven tunnel trapped the fish with the weave tight enough to prevent escape but loose enough to allow water to freely flow through. The traps tapered so that when they were submerged, the water pressure wedged them into place.

The primary material used in this piece is the young, green leaves of the Pandanus spiralis tree, that were harvested using a long wooden hook. The leaves are stripped of their prickles, with the smaller fibres being dried to produce a strong, resilient material. These fibres are then twisted, coiled, or combined using various techniques to create the fish trap.

Bula’bula weavers exclusively use natural dyes, derived from locally sourced roots, leaves and grasses. These pigments are extracted and infused into pandanus fibres by boiling over an open fire, producing the rich, vibrant colours characteristic of contemporary Yolŋu weavings.

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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 traditional techniques to produce both functional and decorative mats.

Bula’bula weavers exclusively use natural dyes, derived from locally sourced roots, leaves and grasses. These pigments are extracted and infused into pandanus fibres by boiling over an open fire, producing the rich, vibrant colours characteristic of contemporary Yolŋu weavings.

Traditionally, Nganiyal (conical mats) functioned as insect screens when erected and as seating mats when folded, playing an important role in both daily life and ceremonial practices. Today, Yolŋu artists create a variety of shapes, including flat, round, and oblong mats. These non-traditional styles and the use of bright colours became more common after Missionaries began commissioning pieces in this style.

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Status: Stock

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Nancy Bag

Features:

• Fully lined
• Zip closure
• Adjustable strap
• Can be worn on the shoulder or cross body
• Two front, external zipper pockets
• Internal zip pocket
• Two internal pockets

FABRIC ARTWORK

This product was screenprinted by Yolŋu art workers at Bula’Bula Arts. We print small batches of tea towels, tshirts and fabric lengths by hand because we love putting Yolŋu designs on everyday items – especially ones that balanda (non-Yolŋu) use! Due to the lovely handmade nature of this product, print quality may vary.

 Available in four fabric designs and multiple colourways:

• Dawurrmonuk (itchy caterpillar) by Evonne Gayuwrri
• Lidjilidji (Crimson Finch) by Andrew Wanamilil
• Lorrpu (Sulphur-crested Cockatoo) by Peter Gambung
• Ngambi (limestone) spear by Shannon Ashley

Manymak (very good)! Buying Bula’Bula Arts products helps us build a sustainable income source for our 150 artists and artworkers from Ramingining and surrounding outstations.

 

WORKING WITH FLYING FOX FABRICS 

We work with Flying Fox Fabrics, a small social enterprise based in Darwin. Flying Fox Fabrics, make and sell accessories, clothing and homewares from fabrics designed by Aboriginal artists which have been hand printed in Australia. They work in partnership with Aboriginal artists and fair trade organisations in Cambodia that train and employ disabled artisans.

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Status: Stock

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Serena Bag

Features:

• Fully lined
• Zip closure
• Adjustable strap
• Can be worn on the shoulder or cross body
• Two front, external zipper pockets
• Internal zip pocket
• Two internal pockets

FABRIC ARTWORK

This product was screenprinted by Yolŋu art workers at Bula’Bula Arts. We print small batches of tea towels, tshirts and fabric lengths by hand because we love putting Yolŋu designs on everyday items – especially ones that balanda (non-Yolŋu) use! Due to the lovely handmade nature of this product, print quality may vary.

 Available in four fabric designs and multiple colourways:

• Dawurrmonuk (itchy caterpillar) by Evonne Gayuwrri
• Lidjilidji (Crimson Finch) by Andrew Wanamilil
• Lorrpu (Sulphur-crested Cockatoo) by Peter Gambung
• Ngambi (limestone) spear by Shannon Ashley

Manymak (very good)! Buying Bula’Bula Arts products helps us build a sustainable income source for our 150 artists and artworkers from Ramingining and surrounding outstations.

 

WORKING WITH FLYING FOX FABRICS 

We work with Flying Fox Fabrics, a small social enterprise based in Darwin. Flying Fox Fabrics, make and sell accessories, clothing and homewares from fabrics designed by Aboriginal artists which have been hand printed in Australia. They work in partnership with Aboriginal artists and fair trade organisations in Cambodia that train and employ disabled artisans.

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Status: Stock

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Carla Purse

Features:

• Fully lined
• Zip closure
• Adjustable strap
• Can be worn on the shoulder or cross body
• Two front, external zipper pockets
• Internal zip pocket
• Two internal pockets

FABRIC ARTWORK

This product was screenprinted by Yolŋu art workers at Bula’Bula Arts. We print small batches of tea towels, tshirts and fabric lengths by hand because we love putting Yolŋu designs on everyday items – especially ones that balanda (non-Yolŋu) use! Due to the lovely handmade nature of this product, print quality may vary.

 Available in four fabric designs and multiple colourways:

• Dawurrmonuk (itchy caterpillar) by Evonne Gayuwrri
• Lidjilidji (Crimson Finch) by Andrew Wanamilil
• Lorrpu (Sulphur-crested Cockatoo) by Peter Gambung
• Ngambi (limestone) spear by Shannon Ashley

Manymak (very good)! Buying Bula’Bula Arts products helps us build a sustainable income source for our 150 artists and artworkers from Ramingining and surrounding outstations.

 

WORKING WITH FLYING FOX FABRICS 

We work with Flying Fox Fabrics, a small social enterprise based in Darwin. Flying Fox Fabrics, make and sell accessories, clothing and homewares from fabrics designed by Aboriginal artists which have been hand printed in Australia. They work in partnership with Aboriginal artists and fair trade organisations in Cambodia that train and employ disabled artisans.