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Tiwi dilly bag with shell fringe

Artist Mavis Galikali Warrngilna Ganambarr (c 1966)

Date1994

Object number00027409

NameBasket

MediumBush string, luthuluthu (neritina) shells, fishing line, natural dyes

Dimensions765 x 200 x 10 mm, 0.2 kg

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

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DescriptionThis small dilly bag was made by Mavis Warrngilna Ganambarr of Elcho Island. String bags are the work bags of Arnhem Land, particularly on Elcho Island they are used to carry a wide range of food, medical and personal items. This bag was made using bush string, natural dyes and tiny shells. The technique of making woven fibres is still handed down from mother to daughter. Women collect the raw materials from the bush and beaches and use the treated and dyed fibres in baskets and nets. HistoryMavis Warrngilna Ganambarr is one of Australia’s best known fibre artists. She began fibre work under the direction of her grandmother and aunties on Galiwin'ku where she lives with her husband and children. Mavis is now passing on her own knowledge plants, recipes and techniques to a younger generation. Mavis tells that : “Bapa Shepie (Missionary) brought me to Galiwin’ku when I was 9 years old so I could go to school. I was taught fibre art by my grandmother Djuluka when I was 19 years of age and I have been continually creating weavings and wearable art since then. I am very proud of what my grandmother taught me to do, but now I am making different, new styles of my own ideas. I teach my children and one day they will teach their children. In this way we will keep our culture strong.” - Nomad Art Weaving is a three dimensional art form which includes dilly bags, baskets mats hats belts and arm bands which are made from feathers, plumes, string, shell, plant fibres and other objects acquired from the natural environment. The completed items are both utilitarian and ceremonial. A variety of plants provide women with fibre to make string. Spinning plant fibre into string is done by hand. Several strips of fibre are stretched over the thigh. The ends are held with one hand and the threads are kept apart between the fingers. With the palm of the first hand moistened with water or a grease and ochre mixture, the fibres are rolled back and forth across the thigh, spinning them into 2-ply string. Women use either knotted or knotless stitches and bags are distinguished according to the type of stitch used. SignificanceGaliwin’ku (Elcho Island) has seen many changes in the last 100 years - the banning of the visits by Makassan traders, the takeover of the running of the Island by missionaries and the movement of people into settled areas. As such, there are many new ideas expressed in the materials and methods of construction in artists works.