Rose Wilfred — 'Wulbung (Basket)' 325-25, Numbulwar Numburindi Arts

This carefully woven piece by Rose Wilfred puts natural materials front and centre, emitting natural beauty that speaks of the Country it comes from.

Locally-harvested pandanus leaves are woven raw, or dyed naturally using roots, leaves or flowers to produce a beautiful, subdued colour palette.

Rose Wilfred is an artist, arts worker and weaving facilitator from Wuyagiba country. Although originally from Ngukkur, Rose has lived in Numbulwar for most of her life and was adopted by the Wilfred family. Rose’s artistic practice is heavily influenced by her grandmother, who she watched weaving from early childhood and who taught her the many skills and knowledges of weaving, bush tucker and bush medicine. Rose marries traditional practices and materiality with the innovative use of ghost nets in her art.

“I was born in Katherine hospital. I’m from Ngukurr but I live in Numbulwar now. I come here from Ngukurr when I was 10 years old. My grandmother taught me how to make a weaving basket with pandanus. When I was 10 years old, I grow up at Walker River outstation with my grandmother and aunties. I was always sitting beside my grandmother. She taught me well to make baskets with pandanus. And she said you will make a basket with pandanus for your future when you grow up. Every time when I sleep I see my grandmother’s spirit. She here with me and speaking in my dreams. And that’s my story.”

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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.

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Material: Pandanus

Dimensions:  29 x 10cm

Cat. no: 325-25