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Fibre art
Fibre Art is
a very important aspect of the art of Elcho Island. Processes
used are little changed from ancient traditional techniques.
Women collect the raw materials for their work from the bushlands
and beaches on Galiwin’ku and surrounding homelands,
later treating and dyeing the grasses to make bush string,
stunningly beautiful baskets, jewellery, dilly bags, mats
and fishing nets. The processes involved with the collection
of materials - grasses, feathers, shells and the treating,
dyeing and weaving of the fibres thereafter are complex,
labour intensive and time consuming. Traditional techniques
are rigorously taught by one generation to the next. At the
same time, however, individually creative new styles are
evidenced in innovative designs evolving, especially in the
combination of raw materials.
Both approaches indicate and reveal meaning from both a visual
and a spiritual perspective.
Pandanus mat (detail)
Pandanus coiled basket
Basket by Mavis Ganambar
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Fish Net
ceremonial armbands
Dillybags
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