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Susan Balbunga

#287-17

Gunga mindirr
Susan Balbunga makes beautiful mats, mindirr (twinned conical baskets) and bathi (baskets) from materials including gunga (pandanus), raki (bush string) and natural dyes. This piece is made from gunga the dyes have been collected from Milingimbi as well as Balbunga’s Homeland at Maningrida. The plant that produces purple dye colour does not grow in the eucalyptus or mangrove forests of Milingimbi or any of the other Crocodile Islands. The purple colour was most likely harvested by Balbunga whilst visiting family during ceremony. The raki (string) handles on this piece is made from the exposed roots of a specific variety of fig tree. Raki made from fig tree roots can be identified by the warm pinky brown colour and the soft texture of the fibre. 

Milingimbi Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation

The Milingimbi Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation is a community owned Art Centre that maintains an important position in the national art and cultural arena. Milingimbi Art and Culture has a long history of producing works steeped in active cultural practice such as barks, ceremonial poles, carvings and weavings. Works from Milingimbi are integral to important collections in many National and International institutions.

 

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