Mat

Born in 1941 in Nangalala, Northern Territory, Wurlaki artist Judy Baypungala established herself as a master weaver who created mewana (sedge grass dillybags) and mindirr and nganiyal (pandanus palm leaf bags and mats). Residing with her husband, the renowned artist Dr David Daymirringu Malangi, at Yathalamarra in Arnhem Land, she drew from the natural materials of this lush and abundant area to create her distinctive works of art.

This work evolves from a nganiyal, a multi-purpose conical mat or container used to cover women’s bodies during pregnancy or as a protective covering or surface when sleeping or sitting. After obtaining colour from local plants to dye the pandanus, Baypungala has densely woven contrasting bands of fibres together in bold tones of yellow, orange and brown to create a dramatic pattern. Using a heavy stone, she then flattened and moulded the large circular mat into shape, creating not only a purposeful and culturally important piece but also an object of artistic significance. Although finished with loose fringing, the mat is refined and elegant and displays the beauty of an everyday object.

Gloria Strzelecki, Associate Curator of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art