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Jellyfish sculpture by Jill Yirrindili

Artist Jill Yirrindili (1955)

Datebefore 2007

Object number00042494

NameSculpture

MediumPandanus grass, bark, natural fibres, natural pigment

DimensionsDisplay dimensions: 400 x 160 x 90 mm
400 x 80 x 80 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA woven sculpture of a jellyfish made by artist Jill Yirrindili from Maningrida in the Northern Territory. The medium of the work is pandanus leaves, bark and natural fibres. The body of jellyfish is painted white and features brown eye and mouth detail. The jellyfish represents primarily a food source in northern Australia as well as appearing in ancestral stories. Works in fibre have always been strong from this area, and are commonly known for their aesthetic use of bush dyes and conical fish traps. HistoryWorks in fibre have always been strong from this area, known for their aesthetic use of bush dyes and conical fish traps. The Maningrida region is located on the North Central Arnhem Land coast of the Arafura Sea, on the estuary of the Liverpool River. The Kunibídji people are the traditional landowners of this country. The name Maningrida is an Anglicised version of the Kunibídji name "Manayingkarírra" which comes from the phrase "Mane djang karirra" meaning "the place where the Dreaming changed shape'. Despite having a long cultural and practical history, the use of fibre has become a medium for fresh expression in the Maningrida region. Fibre artists there have become innovative and are creating new forms such as jelly fish, sting rays 'camp dogs' etc. SignificanceThe jellyfish represent primarily a food source in northern Australia as well as appearing in ancestral stories.Their shape make them easily represented using dried pandanus leaves and local ochres.
This work shows the high quality and dynamic weaving techniques of the women of Maningrida.Today's artists are adapting centuries-old techniques to create innovative works relating to both ancestral events and everyday themes and represent the contemporary female artists of the Maningrida region.