Unknown Artist
Pandanus basket
75 x 52 x 39cm
Pandanus with natural bush dyes
Code #:15343
$1,300
LOCATION: Redfern NSW
Provenance
Maningrida Arts, NT
Story
This mat is made from natural, local materials sourced from the Maningrida area. Weavers gather fresh young leaves from the pandanus palm using a hooked stick, then strip and dry them. The pandanus is then boiled up on the campfire with local plant dyes. Today’s coiled fibre works are the result of cross-cultural exchange and artistic innovation. The coiling technique was traditionally used by southern Aboriginal people of the Murray River, and was introduced to Goulburn Island by missionary Greta Matthews in the 1920s. From here it spread amongst Aboriginal people throughout Arnhem Land. These works are living embodiments of Australia’s history. Kunwinjku women have been developing the artform for almost 100 years, experimenting with new forms and adapting it to local materials. Coiled mats have been a staple production since the beginning of Injalak Arts. Some employ openwork, by extending the coil out and reattaching it. The old plant dyes used in Europe like indigo, saffron, woad and logwood fell out of use with the Industrial Revolution. But here, a natural “paintbox” thrives.The most common dyes include:Yellow-orange: Mandjurndum (the bright orange roots of the Pognolobus reticulatus bush) Brown: Wirdilwirdil (the red bulb of Haemadorum breviculae grass)Green: The growing shoot of the pandanus itself (Pandanus spiralis), boiled with the ashes of pandanus leaves.Purple-pink – Windilk (the seeds of the Haemodorum coccineum plant, related to Kangaroo Paw)Grey-Black – Manbedde (the leaves of the quinine bush, Petalostigma pubescens)
ShareMORE ARTWORKS BY Unknown Artist
Silk Batik (Detail)
Unknown Artist 20 Number of 'Avaialable Artworks' by this artist. Click button to view.
#16566 VIEW AT: Redfern NSW $1,200
View artwork
HOURS
Tuesday – Saturday
10am – 5pm