Janette Murrungun
Janette Murrungun
Yir String Bags
50 × 20 × 7cm each - Maguj (ghost nets) and bark string, 2023
As a master fibre artist, Janette Murrungun, has been using ghost net ropes to intricately replicate natural yir - the Wubuy word for string bags - that Numburindi people traditionally used in gathering food. The yir are immaculately woven using de-threaded individual strands of ghost nets. Janette is passionate about preserving Numburindi artistic traditions, and the yir serve as a continuation of traditional practice, albeit adapting to new materials found on Country. This artwork is composed of two yir: one made of a natural bark fibre using the traditional way, the other one made of ghost net.
Janette Murrungun’s homeland is Rocky Point near Numbulwar. Janette is daughter of artist Mawungumain Nundhirribala, who taught her how to weave. Janette is an experienced weaver with both pandanus and ghost net materials. She is also an expert harvester, holding deep knowledge around sourcing plants for string-making, natural dyeing and traditional weaving practices. Janette is an artist and arts worker at Numbulwar Numburindi Arts, and a board member of Numburindi Corporation.