A Girl Needs a Dilly Bag

Brandi gets her day: Pandanus Weaving

back to the beginning - Ginger Root Home

While this trip was largely a didgeridoo mission, Brandi had another secret agenda- to make a dilly bag. No, don't ask what dilly is. Traditionally, the didgeridoo is men's business, and weaving is women's. Although westerners would certainly have their views on that subject, we actually found that it was quite comfortable for us, and easier for the Yolngu to deal with us, when we did split up and take part in the "appropriate" activities. Of course, we both participated at least a bit in each activity, but truth be told, I'm happy to leave the weaving to the women... it's much harder than didgeridoo. And Brandi was very happy to finally get her dilly day.

Reminder: These pictures are put up here with consent of the Aboriginal community and all those pictured. They do however wish that NO ONE do anything with these photos other than view them on this site. DO NOT COPY THEM to your computer, DO NOT PRINT THEM, and DO NOT do anything else you creative computer types might do with them, as it is against the wishes of those pictured.

Pandanus, a palm-like tree that is the basic material for weaving. The green leaves are pulled from the tree...

And then split. The leaf is actually pulled apart, into a top and bottom layer.

Then the thick, moist leaves are left to dry for a few hours.

And the result, amazingly enough, is this thin, strong fiber.

Which then could use some decoration. Traditionally, this was done with natural dyes. Brandi got to make some red, as they say, from the roots of a type of wild grass commonly called bloodroot.

Taking apart the roots to get to the fine red bits.

And then it all gets mashed up.
And soaked in the pot for a short while.

And here's Brandi's proud teacher and sister, with the result- the original green and the new red pandanus, all ready for weaving.

Since we don't seem to have any good weaving pictures from this area, here's a shot from Ramingining again, of the basic weaving process getting started. That's the beginning of a basket on Brandi's knee.

Brandi got a start on her dilly bag at Yirrkala, but had to keep working in Cairns to finish it. Here she is, radiant with a flu, working away in our glorious hostel accomodations.

The first ever Brandi dilly bag, almost finished, just in need of a little trim.

And there it is... a little lumpy, but a good start, and done largely on her own. She's still weaving, though, as you read this (well, chances are good), so look for more authentic weaving from Jari Gurruwiwi. Ha ha.

This Space for Rent

Actually, I hope this space will soon contain a picture of the Aboriginal-made work we brought back, along with some of Brandi's new creations. Brandi?

Next... didgeridoo making with the master

Pandanus, a palm-like tree that is the basic material for weaving. The green leaves are pulled from the tree...	And then split. The leaf is actually pulled apart, into a top and bottom layer.
Then the thick, moist leaves are left to dry for a few hours.	And the result, amazingly enough, is this thin, strong fiber.
Which then could use some decoration. Traditionally, this was done with natural dyes. Brandi got to make some red, as they say, from the roots of a type of wild grass commonly called bloodroot.	Taking apart the roots to get to the fine red bits.
And then it all gets mashed up.	And soaked in the pot for a short while.
And here's Brandi's proud teacher and sister, with the result- the original green and the new red pandanus, all ready for weaving.	Since we don't seem to have any good weaving pictures from this area, here's a shot from Ramingining again, of the basic weaving process getting started. That's the beginning of a basket on Brandi's knee.
Brandi got a start on her dilly bag at Yirrkala, but had to keep working in Cairns to finish it. Here she is, radiant with a flu, working away in our glorious hostel accomodations.	The first ever Brandi dilly bag, almost finished, just in need of a little trim.
And there it is... a little lumpy, but a good start, and done largely on her own. She's still weaving, though, as you read this (well, chances are good), so look for more authentic weaving from Jari Gurruwiwi. Ha ha.	This Space for Rent Actually, I hope this space will soon contain a picture of the Aboriginal-made work we brought back, along with some of Brandi's new creations. Brandi?