Arhnem Land Woven Birthing Mats

This Nganiyal, or birthing mat, is the traditional form of mat from Central Arnhem Land; it is conical in shape and is traditionally used as an insect screen when erected, and as a sitting mat when folded. This style of mat is also used for ceremonies involving 'women's business'. Woven from hardy long wearing earth coloured fibres this is both unique and visually pleasing.
Artist : Elizabeth Djuttarra
Size : 210 cm (84") diameter
(Soon to be available through an online auction house)

Ramingining Coiled Circular Floor Mat

Stunning, traditionally handcrafted circular mat created using ancient fibre craft skills. The circular weaving movement using natural white, brown and orange colourings produces a unique decorative effect. The remaining fibre threads are left un-cut in the outer rim to give a natural flowing finish. The pandanus fibres are hardy and long wearing as well as visually pleasing.

The woven items produced today are made with as much care and reverence as they have been for centuries, being made for utilitarian and ritual purposes as well as for the outside market. As with weapons and utensils, there has been some adaptation to suit the Aboriginal people's changing way of life and demands of Balanda (European) market. New techniques have been introduced at various stages in their history and some of these have been mastered and adopted in the constant experimentation that keeps that art exciting and dynamic both for those catering it, and the many discerning admirers of their art.

The Creation Process

Watch the creation process on video! Traditional Aboriginal Australian Baskets are made from woven pandanus fibre, dyed and decorated with ochre. The three youngest bunches of leaves from the top of the Gunga (pandanus spirilis) or Screw Palm is hooked down by a long stick, and the prickly edges stripped off with the thumb nail.

On their return from the bush, the women strip the long leaves into several fibres, bundle them up and hang them to dry. Weaving may commence at this stage and the finished article left 'white' or decorated with ochres, or the fibres are beautifully coloured with natural bush dyes. The Gunga is then skilfully woven into many beautiful and useful items.

See and read more about the brilliant colours used!

Decorative Effects
Tightly woven so that the circular movement of the weft (horizontal strands) determine the pattern by variations of colour, or of more loosely woven style leaving bands of the warp (vertical strands) visible as to create a pattern. The remaining warp threads are left un-cut in the outer rim to give a natural flowing finish. The fibres in these mats, as with the other weavings are hardy and long wearing as well as visually pleasing.

Check out the source to find out more!