Djaypila Guyula Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts

Djaypila Guyula – Dilly Bag

$305.00

In stock

(Helen) Djaypila Guyula’s Bulpu baskets (Dilly Bags) are crafted from Gunga (Pandanus Spiralis) using a twining technique. This process involves twisting two lengths of pandanus, with one set of lengths being active and the other passive. Variations in design are achieved by altering density, order, and colour, using natural bush dyes. Balgurr Raki, hand-spun string from the Kurrajong tree, is used to finish the Bulpu and create handles. The design is inspired by traditional Bathi or Dimbuka baskets used in ceremonies and for collecting and carrying. These baskets have been used for these purposes since ancient times, with earlier versions being plain pandanus baskets.

Woven Dilly Bag created with pandanus and natural dyes.

H 24cm W 8cm L 10cm

Artist (Helen) Djaypila Guyula was born in Arnhem Land in 1956 near Buckingham Bay. Djaypila Guyula comes from the tribe of Liyadhaliymirr Djambarrpuyngu and her clan group is Guyula.

Meet the Artist

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 colors, 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.

Meet the Artist

Match it up