Item X 104920 djerrh manbudbud kunyarl | Bag. Kunwinjku. Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. 2002

Summary

The classic form of bag made and used in Arnhem Land is the rectangular looped or knotted string bag with horizontal bands of colour made with two ply string. Making string is a specialised skill and a most common source of fibre for string is the inner bark of the Kurrajong. The distinguishing feature of this example is the handle, which is wrapped rather than having the multiple strands of string. They continue to be used for carrying personal possessions and bush foods, and are also sold through Injalak Arts and Crafts at Gunbalanya in western Arnhem Land.

Local Name

djerrh manbudbud kunyarl

Physical Description

String bag, looped, with dyed string (purple, yellow and brown) made from inner bark of the Kurrajong. The bag has a single string wrapped handle attached to the rim on opposite sides of the bag.

Significance

Ruby Billidja frequently makes the older style of conical pandanus basket with three-strand twining, however during the time of the mission, she made lidded baskets. Ruby was married to the famous western Arnhem Land bark painter, the late Wally Mandarrk.