![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by FLORENCE GUTCHEN of Erub Erwer Meta. The title is Aka. [15-20] (Ghost Nets & Twine over Mesh Frame)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/a/aka-3782.png)
15-20
Ghost Nets & Twine over Mesh Frame
Aka | 15-20
Ghost Nets & Twine over Mesh Frame
70 x 40cm | 27.6 x 15.7in (irregular)
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Actual Dimension: 70 H x 40 W x 50 D cm
Weaving is a vital part of the Erub island life. In the past houses were woven and thatched from grasses and coconuts lashed together with vine. The mats Erubam le (Erub people) sat on or slept on were woven from pandanas and coconut, and the clothes they wore were made from grass and Kolap vine fiber. The baskets which they carried and stored their food and items in were made from coconut, pandanas or grasses.
Weaving baskets was mainly women’s work. Women would gather the leaves they need and sit together weaving. Today the Erubam le weave laulaus (food plates) and items only for special occasions. Most of the plates and bowls are made from plastic and enamelled tin today - times have changed and much of this is waste.
Aka the ghost net lady is weaving a basket. She is made out of ghost nets and fabric plated together into string lengths and stitched with the coloured ropes.
Florence Gutchen wanted to make her out of the waste material ghost net to show that a harmful waste product such as ghost nets which drags across the reefs and kills marine life can be made into something beautiful. Ghost nets have come to Darnley island, drifting on the currents but the good thing is that it has started a revival in weaving techniques and as women now sit together on a daily basis making things and telling traditional stories. Florence wants to spread the conservation message wide and as women weavers they can do it together.
Weaving is a vital part of the Erub island life. In the past houses were woven and thatched from grasses and coconuts lashed together with vine. The mats Erubam le (Erub people) sat on or slept on were woven from pandanas and coconut, and the clothes they wore were made from grass and Kolap vine fiber. The baskets which they carried and stored their food and items in were made from coconut, pandanas or grasses.
Weaving baskets... Read More