Arnhem Weavers Dillybag Baskets

Drawing upon ancient wisdom, beautiful handwoven dillybag baskets created by Arnhem Weavers, Roslyn Malngumba and Linda Gurraparapa.

Living on their ancestral lands in north east Arnhem Land, the elderly women of Mäpuru (population 100) spend their daily lives spinning and weaving articles they need for themselves, their relatives, for ceremonies and for sale.

Remaining faithful to the traditional skills and knowledge passed down for thousands of years, they are expert at using a variety of seasonally available materials - pandanus leaves, roots and bark for spinning and weaving, as well as a wide selection of roots, leaves and fruits to dye the fibres. 

We are privileged to have two unique pieces from two of these talented artisans:

1. Rounded dillybag basket - measures approx 12cm tall x 9cm diameter at opening plus handle - handcrafted by Roslyn Malngumba
2. Oval shaped dillybag basket - measures approx 10cm tall x 15cm wide x 10cm deep plus handle - handwoven by Linda Gurraparapa

Dillybags are traditionally used in food and medicine gathering, as well as ceremonially, carried by placing the string handle around your forehead, so that the basket rests down your back.

These pieces are beautiful on display, or serving as functional objects for storage.

Sharing their expertise through museum exhibitions, workshops and tours, Arnhem Weavers creates meaningful employment as well as financial independence for this community. To learn more visit their website www.arnhemweavers.com.au .