Djerrk (small hunting and fishing bag)
Maker
Therese Cooper
Date1991
Object number00015566
NameBag
MediumNylon, shells
DimensionsOverall: 330 x 210 mm, 0.15 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionDjerrks are small hunting and fishing bags used in the Northern Territory to carry small animals and fish. This bag is decorated with shells and was woven from nylon scraps that washed up on the beach. Unlike this decorated example of a djerrk, traditional hunting bags were usually kept unadorned and undecorated.HistoryA djerrk (meaning string bag) is woven by looping fibre around the weaver's legs while they sit on the floor. The string is then looped in a spiral pattern from the bag's brim to its base and forms a cylinder. Djerrks were used to carry small animals, fish or mussels with the loose weave allowing wet foods to drain and be aired.
Maningrida is situated on the north central Arnhem Land coast of the Arafura Sea, about 500 km east of Darwin. The town is home to a community of Indigenous artists well known for their production of woven baskets, fibre sculptures and carvings. Today these items are woven by both men and women for artistic purposes and to reflect the traditional Aboriginal lifestyle.
Woven hunting bags and traps were traditionally made as utilitarian objects and were not usually dyed, painted or decorated.SignificanceThis djerrk is representative of Indigenous weaving techniques and everyday carrying equipment used in the Northern Territory. Today these traditional items are also produced for artistic purposes and incorporate innovative materials in their design including recycled materials such as nylon and shells.
2015-2018
