Dilly Bag
ID Ref #
5045
Prize Category
Indigenous Emerging Artist
Preferred Artist Name for publication (this name will be used on all the collateral)
Joy Nabegeyo
Your social media handles
https://www.facebook.com/
Artist / Gallery Website
marrawuddi.com.au
Artwork Title
Dilly Bag
Entry Type
All other media
URL link of the entry
Password or any other important information about viewing the file
Detailed Instructions for the setup of your instillation / sculpture
Medium
paint on paper
Dimensions
69CMcm x 88CMcm
Depth
2CM
Weight
2KG
Price
$2000
Delivery
Courier
Collection
Courier
Gallery Representation
No
Name of Gallery
Artwork Image One
Dilly Bag
Artwork Image Two
Artwork Image Three
Artist Statement
The dilly bag was traditionally used as a woven collecting basket. These baskets or bags made from varied natural materials, such as sand palm, pandanus or vine were and sometimes are, used to collect a variety of foods such as fish caught in conical fish traps, collections of yams or various other bush foods. The tightly woven surface painted with natural pigments, again imparting a ceremonial association. Woven and dyed dilly bags were commonly used for hunting and the containment of personal possessions, whereas painted bags are more commonly the domain of ceremony. These bags, however, have a break in the painted bands towards the back end of the bag, (as often woven ridges of more sculpted bags are also broken at the back) to allow a smooth surface which is the area in contact with the wearer’s body. On some dilly bags, a close weave can be indicative of honey-collecting bags made for harvesting native sugar bag or wild/bush honey. In addition to a tight weave, the embedding of wax into the base ensures a 'fluid-tight' vessel. The creation story in Kakadu and West Arnhem centres on a female ancestor, the mother known as Yingarna, who emerged from the Arafura Sea and travelled across the inland regions. Yingarna gave birth to bininj (aboriginal people), the people of this country, and taught them their language. Suspended from a headband were many dilly bags all with different stories, people and food, one of which that contained yams, which she planted and taught bininj how to harvest. As well as being of practical use, dilly bags are also of spiritual significance to Arnhem Land people. Dilly bags are said to be totemic objects and are associated with particular sites in the landscape.
Payment Status
Created At
February 24, 2025
Updated At