![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by FATE SAVARI (ISAWDI) of Omie Artists. The title is The origin of sihoti’e nioge (mud-dyed barkcloth). [15-200] (Paint, Pencil and Ink on Paper)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/t/the-origin-of-sihotic3a2e-nioge-mud-dyed-barkcloth-5604.png)
FATE SAVARI (ISAWDI) (dec)
The origin of sihoti’e nioge (mud-dyed barkcloth)15-200
Paint, Pencil and Ink on Paper
The origin of sihoti’e nioge (… | 15-200
Paint, Pencil and Ink on Paper
56.5 x 77cm | 22.24 x 30.31in (irregular)
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This painting on paper shows designs associated with the origin story of the first sihoti’e nioge (mud-dyed barkcloth). It is a highly significant piece as it is the only instance in any medium Fate created of this particular design.
The contrasting black and white checkered design is quite possibly the very first sihoti’e design created by the Ömie Ancestors. The black checkers represent the mud-dyed barkcloth and the unfilled, white checkers are the plain, undyed barkcloth. Mud-dyed barkcloth designs are often particularly striking as the dyed and undyed barkcloths contrast.
The designs alongside the checkers are unknown designs associated with the creation of the first sihoti’e nioge. There seems to be strong Dahorurajé clan influence in these designs (the Dahorurajé clan hold profound knowledge of the creation stories). For example, ancient designs including nyoni han’e, the Dahorurajé lan emblem of the fern leaf, as well as nuni’e, the design of the eye, have been incorporated.
The Ömie creation story tells of how the very first sihoti’e nioge (mud-dyed barkcloth) was created by Suja, the first Ömie woman and mother of the world, under instruction from Mina, the first Ömie man, after she experienced her first menstruation. Suja dyed the plain barkcloth in the volcanic clay at the River Uhojo at the base of the sacred Mount Obo. Suja wore the mud-dyed barkcloth during her menstruation and lived in seclusion in a small hut known as jé’o jarwé (also called ivi’ino’ové’tové) for its duration.
In the old days of making barkcloths the women had no paints so they would soak the barkcloth in mud, cut the desired pieces and then sew them onto the plain barkcloth. The contrasting effects would result in various bold visual designs. The designs were sewn with a bat-wing bone needle and a river reed was shredded to create the sewing thread.
The contrasting black and white checkered design is quite possibly the very first sihoti’e design created by the Ömie Ancestors. The black checkers represent the mud-dyed barkcloth and the unfilled, white checkers are the plain, undyed barkcloth.... Read More