Summary

Baskets used during hunting are conical in shape and made with an open weave using undyed sedge. The tall sedge grass miwana gives the baskets a structural strength and this same name is used for the baskets. Cyperus javanicus or Cyperus conicus is harvested for this purpaose at the beginning of the wet season, and then used to make a variety of sized baskets used for a range of purposes including carrying heavy loads of game and fish as well as bush foods. These baskets were hung up in camp on forked sticks to keep the meat and fish away from dogs. Smaller versions were used as sieves for straining food in running water in order to leach the poisons from bush foods. These baskets are rarely decorated and their open weave allows sand, dirt, blood and water to drain.

Local Name

miwanna

Physical Description

A twined conical basket made of sedge grass with an open weave. The multi-strand handle made of vegetable fibre string is attached to the basket at the back.

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