Bat'barra (bag to carry fish)
Artist
Chris Yawirryawirr
Date1991
Object number00015569
NameBag
MediumOchre, sedge grass
DimensionsOverall: 500 x 410 mm, 0.1 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA bat'barra made by Chris Yawirryawirr in Borlkjam, Northern Territory. Bat'burras are semi-rectangular containers used as sieves and for carrying fish. This example has been painted with both red and yellow ochre and decorated with images of barramundi and catfish in white clay. These two fish are a major source of food for people living in coastal Arnhem Land. The painted decoration on this bat'barra indicates it was made for artistic purposes rather than functional use.HistoryManingrida is situated on the north central Arnhem Land coast of the Arafura Sea, about 500 km east of Darwin and is home to a community of Indigenous artists. The Maningrida Art Centre is well known for basket weaving, fibre sculptures and carvings. Many of their objects are made for artistic rather than functional use. For the local Indigenous community the process of creating woven objects is a major part of their traditional lifestyle and Maningrida supports a range of Aboriginal language and tribal groups.
Fishing and gathering in tidal streams and coastal shores was (and continues to be) a major food source for Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. They employ a range of equipment to hunt and collect food such as shell fish, barramundi, catfish and water birds. The equipment was often woven from natural fibres and included large fish barriers, small individual traps, sieves and carry bags.
Sedge grass is a common natural material used in the production of woven items. It is found in saltwater creeks and waterways in the Northern Territory. Once prepared it becomes a durable and water resistant material suitable for weaving mats, sculptures and baskets.SignificanceThis bat'barra is representative of Indigenous weaving techniques and hunting equipment used in the Northern Territory. The depiction of barramundi and catfish demonstrate the importance of the two fish in the traditional lifestyle of First Nations people. The bag highlights the type of utilitarian objects used by people when interacting with the sea and the production of functional items for artistic purposes.
