Coiled Pandanus Basket 1489-23 (M)

This basket is made from natural, local materials sourced
from the Gunbalanya 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 rich 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.
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.