Woven Mukuy Spirit Figures
The Mukuy belong in Yirritja country called Galanbirni. At night you might hear them playing the Didjeridu. The Mukuy travel around a lot and are often found in sacred places. They are mysterious, sometimes playful and sometimes cheeky characters, often referred to as Devil Devil. Mukuy figures tell the stories of country, culture and spiritual beliefs.
Artist details below.
Material: Pandanus & Natural Bush Dyes
Size: Various. (23cm to 50cm tall)
These finely crafted woven figures represent Mukuy Spirit creatures.
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.
