Summary
Decorative string headbands are an important adornment for ceremony in Arnhem Land. This headband is made from a single continuous length of string wound around to form a circle to a size that sits comfortably on the head of the wearer. The feathered tassel attached with beeswax would hang down the back of the head. String or raki is most commonly made from the softened and shredded fibres of the inner bark of the Kurrajong (Brachychiton paradoxum). It is produced by rolling two strands of the fibre along the thigh away from the body; and with a backward rolling motion, pressure is applied with the base of the hand, causing the twisted fibres to ply.
Physical Description
A circular band consisting of a single length of vegetable fibre string wound around multiple times. A single pendant of coloured parrot feathers embedded in beeswax hangs from the bottom and is secured with a strip of cotton cloth.
Local Name
bamdal
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
Donald Thomson, Australian Indigenous - Northern Australia and Queensland and Torres Strait Islands
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Acquisition Information
Long-term Loan from University of Melbourne (The), 28 Mar 1973
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Acknowledgement
The Donald Thomson Collection. On loan to Museum Victoria from The University of Melbourne.
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Maker
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Date Produced
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Collector
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Date Collected
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Date Made
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Maker
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Clan/Language Group
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Place Made
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Indigenous Region
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Locality
Blue Mud Bay, Eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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Cultural Groups
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Object/Medium
Ornament, head
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Object Measurements
240 mm (Length), 120 mm (Width), 30 mm (Height)
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Keywords