An-gujechiya (Fish Trap), 2014, Maureen Ali
(left)
Pandanus and natural dyes, 90cm x 20cm
Provenance: Tunbridge Gallery, Perth.
Maureen Ali learned to practise from her family of highly skilled fibre artists and has been creating works since 2006. She is from the east-side group of Burarra, who create customary conical dilly bags, woven string bags and mats. Ali is noted for her use of the coastal vine mirlarl, (malaisia scandens). This vine is used to manufacture fish traps, barriers and large strong dillybags, and is unique to this region (1).
From her authenticity statement: Painstakingly handcrafted, Ali works for three to four weeks to create each fish trap. Vines (mirlarl) are collected from the jungle and softened overnight. Once pliable, Ali weaves the trap from the inside with concentric rings to ensure the required shape is required. Ali utilises kurrajong (burdoga) and hibiscus (bardainy) to create the conical top of the trap, which can then be used in both fresh and saltwater.