Mawungumain Nundhirribala — 'Wulbung (Basket)' 34-22, Numbulwar Numburindi Arts

This carefully woven piece by Muwungumain Nundhirribala shows bold, bright and colourful coils which are made from a combination of abandoned fishing lines, known as ghost nets, and thoughtfully repurposed found fibres. On this unique weaving, nothing is wasted.

Ghost nets account for about 40% of all ocean plastic. Numbulwar fibre art diverts this plastic away from the oceans, keeping nets clear of vulnerable sea life. All materials are sourced locally in Numbulwar. 

Mawungumain Nundhirribala is a Nunggayinbala woman who has lived her whole life in the Numbulwar area, since before the mission was established. Mawungumain's expertise in creating wulbung (woven baskets) has been developed over a lifetime, and her mastery extends to both ghost nets and natural fibres. She is a mentor for younger weavers and takes the lead on harvesting trips. The artist is one of Numbulwar Numburindi Arts’ most senior and prolific artists, with a fibre art practice that is easily identifiable for its vibrant colour blocking and immaculate technicality.

“I was born at Miwal outstation not far from Numbulwar. When Numbulwar started by CMS (Church Missionary Society),one missionary white lady came from a community called Oenpelli, came and show me and the other ladies how to weave baskets and other weaving stuff out of pandanus leaves. Some old ladies from Yirrkala (Gove) came, taught us ladies to weave placemats and dillybags, that was in the 1960’s and 1970’s. I have two brothers and three sisters and also I have three sons and two daughters. I have been weaving baskets and ghost net basket for while and today I enjoy weaving with
other ladies.”

—

Numbulwar Numburindi Arts x Craft

Built on self-determination, Numbulwar Numburindi Arts (NNA) is a collective of artists whose mission is to keep culture strong. Established in 2019, Numbulwar’s first art centre is 100 percent owned and controlled by the community. Born from the community’s desire to practice and engage with traditional culture, NNA is a space for artistic and cultural expression.

Numbulwar sits on the Rose River and belongs to the Nunggayinbala clan, one of the Wubuy or Nunggubuyu speaking clans from the region. Ceremonial activities are still very important within the region and occur regularly.

—

Material: Ghost net

Dimensions:  25 x 6cm

Cat. no: 34-22