Woven Mats

These hand woven baskets and bags are both stunning and functional. Some have handles, some have lids, some have flaps and straps; each are unique and need a good home!

Pandanus fibre art is labour intensive requiring a high level of care and fine needlework. Finished works are both functional and beautiful. Women collect pandanus by pulling from the top of a pandanus tree, stripping then dying the leaves using natural bush colour.

Pandanus artists include:

Noreena Ashley
Noreena is originally from Gapuwiyak and learned the art of bush harvesting and weaving from her sister, mother and grandmother. Noreena creates vibrant fibre mats, baskets, string bags and Mukuy spirit figures, as well as designs for print and textiles. Noreena has exhibited in Melbourne and Darwin and has travelled to Timor-Leste with Djilpin. Noreena currently teaches workshops in Beswick / Wugularr and Katherine.

Julie Ashley
Julie was born on Elcho Island off the coast of Arnhem Land. She was taught to weave with pandanus and to collect the natural bush dyes by her mother. Julie has created a range of contemporary fibre artefacts such as lampshades, hats, mobiles and quirky animals including fish, turtles and dragonflies. She has also designed for Djilpin's textiles range and created two limited edition screen prints. Julie has conducted weaving workshops in Canberra and Darwin, and teaches our current workshops in Beswick / Wugularr and Katherine.

Rita Cameron

Rita was born in Pine Creek NT and grew up in Maningrida. She has lived in Beswick for twenty years. Her mother taught Rita to weave mats, baskets and dilly bags. Rita developed her own woven animal designs and creates everything from stingrays and mermaids, to wild pigs and bushfoods such as yams. She has exhibited for Djilpin Arts in Indonesia, Melbourne and Darwin.