Bulpu, Bathi, (Dilly bag)
$320
Bulpu are made from Gunga (Pandanus Spiralis), using a twining process. The twining technique may be thought of as the twisting together of elements. Artists take two twisting lengths of pandanus and work them across a series of vertical or radiating lengths. The twisting lengths are the ‘active’ elements of the structure and the radiating lengths are ‘passive’. Variation occurs through changing the density, the order, or the colour. The Gunga is coloured with natural bush dyes. Balgurr Raki (hand-spun string from the Kurrajong tree) is used to finish the bulpu and provide a handle. The Bulpu design is based on the traditional Bathi or Dimbuka, used in ceremonies. Bulpu are also used for collecting and carrying. During the Wangarr (Dreaming) creator ancestors carried Bulpu, they could be envisioned as carrying the law and the ‘stuff’ to create life.