Biḏ’yunawuy miṉḏirr (painted conical basket)

The word Biḏi’yun, which forms part of the title of this artwork, means to apply colour, typically by painting or rubbing. This technique of rubbing natural pigments into fibre objects or fixing pigments onto the surface of weavings with plant sap was the predominant approach until the late 20th century when it was largely replaced with immersion dyeing.
Helen Ganalmirriwuy Garrawurra has studied historical bathi or baskets in institutional collection and she pays homage to these works in ‘Biḏi’yunawuy miṉḏirr (painted conical basket)’ 2021. Ganalmirriwuy’s signature Garrawurra miny’tji (clan design) of bold black and white bands covers the work. The colours reference the Dhuwa moiety Gurrumattji or magpie goose. This is not a ceremonial miny’tji, but rather Ganalmirriwuy’s own invention.
This text draws heavily on the artwork certificate provided by Milingimbi Art and Culture.