Margaret Djarrbalabal

Djerrk are primarily made from the bark of Bal gurr (Red-flowered Kurrajong –Brachychiton megaphyllus) but sometimes Banyan tree (Ficus virens) and Cocky Apple tree (Planchonia careya). Sections of the tree are cut, and depending on the size, whole portions or part portions from the trunk. The inner bark is beaten or chewed to soften then dyed with natural bush dyes.

Margaret Djarrbalabal is a senior fibre artist at Bula’Bula Arts. She is an excellent weaver who is renowned for her Balgurr (Kurrajong) fibre creations, compared to Gunga (Pandanus) which is primarily used amongst Yolngu fibre artists. Margaret is undoubtedly one of the best natural bush string makers on the Lands. She is very adept in choosing the perfect leaves and bark to make her remarkable weavings.

Language: Ganalbingu

Once softened and dyed, parts of the fibre are separated into fine strips then rolled on the thigh to create a rope otherwise known as bush string. The bush string is then woven and knotted to create a djerrk (string bag). Djerrk were used for every day utilitarian purposes, particularly collecting bush foods such as bältji (yam).