• Dilly Bag
  • Dilly Bag
  • Dilly Bag
  • Dilly Bag

Patsy Mankala

Dilly Bag

  

The dilly bag was traditionally used as a woven collecting basket. These baskets or bags made from varied natural materials, such as sand palm, pandanus or vine were and sometimes are, used to collect a variety of foods such as fish caught in conical fish traps, collections of yams or various other bush foods. The tightly woven surface painted with natural pigments, again imparting a ceremonial association.

Woven and dyed dilly bags were commonly used for hunting and the containment of personal possessions, whereas painted bags are more commonly the domain of ceremony. As well as being of practical use, dilly bags are also of spiritual significance to Arnhem Land people. Dilly bags are said to be totemic objects and are associated with particular sites in the landscape.

    • Pandanus and Natural Dyes
    • Dimensions: 35 x 25 cm
    • Cat No. 2108-22

Patsy Mankala is an artist working with Marrawuddi Arts and Culture in Jabiru, NT. 


Marrawuddi Arts and Culture is a beautiful Community Arts Centre located in the repurposed Jabiru Bakery in the heart of the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. The stunningly renovated building, which welcomes dozens of visitors daily, features a vibrant working space for artists use as well as a beautiful exhibition area and delicious coffee. Tourists are encouraged to spend time with artists and learn about the beautiful artworks available for purchase. The quality of artworks for sale at Marrawuddi is exceptional and all stock is created by artists living in or around the Kakadu and wider West Arnhem region. The strength of the ancient, evolving and continuing Kakadu and West Arnhem culture is clear at Marrawuddi. Staff support artists through regular bush trips collecting traditional materials as well as through workshops for new skill development such as screen-printing. Marrawuddi is seen by many as a flagship signalling Jabiru’s positive future as the town undergoes its Mirarr-led transition from mining town to regional service hub and tourism centre. Marrawuddi is owned and governed by Mirarr Traditional Owners through their organisation Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation and all proceeds from Marrawuddi are used in Gundjeihmi’s community work.


Best efforts are made to get your purchase on its way within 2 business days. Postage from Darwin can be slow so please bear with us! 

All works are packed securely to protect during shipping. All items valued over $100 are insured for damage during transit. 

If you are purchasing multiple works, please email us for custom shipping rates. 

Items purchased online that are part of an exhibition will be shipped at the end of the exhibition period.