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Helen Ganalmirriwuy
Title: Gunga mat
#337-18
Senior weaver Helen Ganalmirriwuy’s woven gunga mat is a stunning example of her consistent and detailed weaving style.
Gunga belongs to the Dhuwa moiety and grows throughout east Arnhem Land in woodlands and sand dunes. The central growing spike of leaves is harvested from the crown and processed for weaving. The leaf is folded in half length ways and the fine serrated edges and central spin are removed. This is done by running a fingernail or sharp needle down each side of the folded leaf. This action creates two pieces that are then peeled by pulling their front and back away from each other to expose the inner membrane of the leaf.