Djaypila Guyula

(Helen) Djaypila Guyula, born in Arnhem Land in 1956 near Buckingham Bay, learned the art of weaving from her mother. Her mother was skilled in crafting baskets, string bags, and other fiber works. Helen’s husband, a community landowner, actively supports her by assisting in the collection of pandanus and dyes, guiding the dyeing process, mixing various colours, and teaching her techniques to create red, yellow, brown, and purple shades.

Her true passion lies in weaving baskets of diverse shapes and sizes, but she’s also adept at crafting string bags and mats in a wide array of colours. Furthermore, Helen possesses the talent to paint and draw her own unique designs. She belongs to the Liyadhaliymirr Djambarrpuyngu tribe and the Guyula clan group. Her subsection, or skin name, is Galigali, and she identifies with the Dhuwa Moiety. Helen’s totem is the Dolphin and the Green Sea Turtle, and her Dreamings revolve around the two sisters who journey from the East to the West.