Summary
The making of string from possum fur or human hair was a highly specialised skill and achieved with the use of a spindle. Human hair string was highly prized in Arnhem Land and used for specific objects particularly items worn by men.
Local Name
Dika
Physical Description
A length of thin wood with another section attached at the distal end to form a cross and wound with human hair string.
More Information
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Object/Medium
Spindle
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Maker
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Cultural Groups
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Locality
Groote Eylandt, Eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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Collector
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Date Collected
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Object Measurements
400 mm (Length), 110 mm (Width), 45 mm (Height)
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Classification
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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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Keywords
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Acquisition Information
Long-term Loan from The University of Melbourne, 28 Mar 1973
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Collection Names
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Type of item
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Discipline
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Category
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Acknowledgement
The Donald Thomson Collection. On loan to Museum Victoria from The University of Melbourne.