Mawungumain Nundhirribala

“I was born at Miwal outstation not far from Numbulwar. When Numbulwar started by CMS (Church Missionary Society), one missionary white lady came from a community called Oenpelli, came and show me and the other ladies how to weave baskets and other weaving stuff out of pandanus leaves. Some old ladies from Yirrkala (Gove) came, taught us ladies to weave placemats and dillybags, that was in the 1960’s and 1970’s. I have two brothers and three sisters and also I have three sons and two daughters. I have been weaving baskets and ghost net basket for while and today I enjoy weaving with other ladies.”

Mawungumain Nundhirribala is a Nunggayinbala woman who has lived her whole life in the Numbulwar area, since before the mission was established.  Mawungumain’s expertise in creating wulbung (woven baskets) has been developed over a lifetime, and her mastery extends to both ghost nets and natural fibres. She is a mentor for younger weavers and takes the lead on harvesting trips.  The artist is one of Numbulwar Numburindi Arts’ most senior and prolific artists, with a fibre art practice that is easily identifiable for its vibrant colour blocking and immaculate technicality.