Kunmadj: Woven Objects

Artists from Babbarra Women’s Centre in Arnhem Land curate an exhibition on the theme of Kunmadj or woven vessels. This is the Kuninjku word used for material culture or woven objects including dilly bags, while fish traps are referred to as mandjabu . The exhibition theme showcases ancient and contemporary knowledge, and reflects the craft associated with the dilly bag which is both a sacred ceremonial symbol and a utilitarian object.

The women artists produce many various screen print designs depicting fish traps and dilly bags in different styles and formats, using all natural fibres in silks, linens and cottons. Artists at Maningrida Arts and Culture produces the woven fibre dilly bags and fish traps, made from leaves of the pandanus tree. The region around Maningrida is home to over 100 clan groups who speak 12 different languages. This exhibition is presented in association with Babbarra Women’s Centre.

Fibre artists from Maningrida Arts and Culture contribute sculptures and artefacts that reflect the theme, including bark paintings, woven fish traps, dilly bags and baskets, and fibre sculptures of dogs and Yawk Yawk figures. The exhibition is on display from 24 July to 26 August 2020.