Bat'barra (bag to carry fish)
Artist
Chris Yawirryawirr
Date1991
Object number00015570
NameBag
MediumOchre, clay, pandanus leaves, snail shells
DimensionsOverall: 525 x 500 x 80 mm, 0.25 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 red/brown, white and black ochre and decorated with painted snail shells that are attached with pandanus grass.HistoryFishing and gathering in tidal streams and coastal shores was a major food source for Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. They employed a range of equipment to hunt and collect animals 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.
Maningrida is situated on the north central Arnhem Land coast of the Arafura Sea, about 500 km east of Darwin. It is home to a community of Indigenous artists and supports a range of tribal groups well known for basket weaving, fibre sculptures and carvings. Many of their objects are made for artistic rather than functional use however each piece is a reflection of traditional lifestyle.
Pandanus is a common material used in Arnhem Land for making baskets, bags and traps. The plant is native to Queensland, the Northern Territory and north Western Australia and grows in damp environments near creeks and waterways. The top leaves of the pandanus plant are collected, stripped and dried in preparation to be woven into traditional objects such as baskets, mats, fishing nets and sculptures.
SignificanceThis bat'barra is representative of Indigenous weaving techniques and hunting equipment used in the Northern Territory. It demonstrates the contemporary production of utilitarian objects into artistic pieces of work.
