GALLERY
Paintings
Weaving
Weaving is a popular activity at the HopeVale Cultural Centre. Regular trips are made to the bush for collecting native grasses, pandanus and bush dyes. The older women have spent many hours re-discovering lost techniques and processes.
Weaving was always an essential part of women's work, to make dilly bags and baskets used for carrying, straining and storing food. Some local foods that need straining are stingray, yams and cycad nuts. Many of the artists remember their mothers and grandmothers rolling string on their thighs and weaving strong, durable baskets from bayji grass. Mats were made from pandanus and sisal hemp, and strong baskets from loya cane. Under the influence of the missionaries, these women also became experts at needlework, crochet and embroidery.
Many specific traditional skills were lost, however, and it is the present generation of women who have sought to revive these traditional weaving practices. Under the leadership of the late Maureen Wallace, a booklet describing their weaving and its significance was produced. Mangal Bungal (Clever with Hands) is its title and this describes the traditions these women seek to preserve.
Jewellery