Original Artwork from a Community-Run, Not-for-Profit Art Centre, Complete with a Certificate of Authenticity Issued by Them.
Ethical Art Made Easy
Fast & Free Delivery
120-Day Easy Returns (Not That You’ll Need Them)
Colour-Corrected Images
Kun-madj, or dilly bag, is a large woven collecting basket. These large bags are often made from the vine Malasia scandens, a strong and pliable plant that grows along the floor and into the canopy of monsoon vine thickets. The bags are used to collect large amounts of heavy foods, such as fish caught in conical fish traps or large collections of yams.
They can also be made from Pandanus spiralis, a plant that grows in many areas of Arnhem Land. These dilly bags are tightly woven collecting baskets, very finely made, and are often used to collect sugarbag, the native honey.
Aside from their practical use, dilly bags also hold religious significance for the people of Arnhem Land. Dilly bags are considered totemic objects and are associated with particular sites in the landscape.
Details are currently unavailable
An art movement that is striking, political and enduring: this is what contemporary artists in Maningrida and the surrounding homelands have built, powered by their ancestral connections to country and djang.
Ways of learning and schools of art in Arnhem Land are based around a system of passing knowledge and information on to others. The art here has its genesis in body design, rock art and cultural practices, in concert with more than 50 years of collaborations, travel and political action to retain ownership of country. Values and law are expressed through language, imagery, manikay (song), bunggul (dance), doloppo bim (bark painting), sculptures, and kun-madj (weaving) – the arts.
The artists’ transformation of djang into contemporary artistic expression has intrigued people around the world: art curators and collectors, and stars including Yoko Ono, Jane Campion, David Attenborough and Elton John. Pablo Picasso said of Yirawala’s paintings, ‘This is what I’ve been trying to achieve all my life.’
Yirawala (c.1897–1976) was a legendary Kuninjku leader, artist, land-rights activist and teacher, and his artwork was the first of any Indigenous artist to be collected by the National Gallery of Australia as part of a policy to represent in depth the most significant figures in Australian art.
Maningrida Arts & Culture is based on Kunibídji country in Arnhem Land in Australia’s Northern Territory. The area where artists live encompasses 7,000 square kilometres of land and sea, and over 100 clan estates, where people speak more than 12 distinct languages. Aboriginal people in this region are still on country, surviving and resilient because their country is the centre of their epistemology, their belief system, culture – djang.
Artists’ works from the larger Maningrida region can be seen in collections and institutions around the world. We work with museums, contemporary galleries and high-end retailers both nationally and internationally on projects throughout the year.
Text courtesy: Maningrida Arts and Culture
All paintings come with a certificate of authenticity provided by the community-run Aboriginal Art Centre, not us, which is the gold standard for ethical purchasing and documentation.
We take great pride in offering high-quality, authentic Aboriginal Art pieces to you and in addition to our 120-day returns(they don't come back), we are pleased to offer a lifetime money-back authenticity guarantee to all customers who purchase Aboriginal Art from us, both past and present.
This guarantee covers any disrepute or wrongdoing in association with the authenticity of any Aboriginal artwork ever sold by ART ARK®. We understand that purchasing authentic Aboriginal Art is important to you, and we want to provide you with peace of mind in knowing that you are getting what you expect.
We take the authenticity of Aboriginal Art seriously and are committed to providing you with high-quality and genuine works of art. If at any time you have any concerns whatsoever about the authenticity of any art piece, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will investigate further. If we find any wrongdoing or disrepute in regards to the provenance or authenticity of any artwork sold by us we will promptly provide a full refund to you at any time in the future, be it in one year, or in ten!
Please find more information on authenticity here: https://artark.com.au/pages/aboriginal-art-authenticity
This bark painting has a metal support to retain its shape and provides a hanging hook for hanging from. No further framing is required or recommended.
By sharing their culture, remote artists create opportunities for themselves. Buying Aboriginal art ethically supports these artists while bringing warmth and meaning into your home.
Beautiful, one-of-a-kind art that fits perfectly into your home. Your purchase supports Aboriginal artists and helps us continue our mission in celebrating and promoting ethical Aboriginal art.
We're confident you will love your artwork, but if it’s not right for any reason, return it within 120 days. Over 1,550 past customers have shared their experiences, and they love their artworks.
Only certificates from community-based Aboriginal art centres guarantee ethical sourcing, ensuring your purchase supports the artist and their community. Every ART ARK® piece includes this documentation, offering transparency and trust in its origin. Proof of provenance ensures authenticity and contributes to the artwork’s long-term value.
Learn more about Aboriginal Art Authenticity.
We take the time to ensure your artwork will arrive as shown. Carefully packed, colour-accurate, and ready to love.
Colours are matched as closely as possible, and with returns under 0.2%, our customers are consistently delighted with their artworks.
We keep pricing transparent by delivering artworks without added third-party costs, allowing us to offer free shipping and maintain pricing in accordance with each art centre. Canvas and linen pieces are sent rolled for safe delivery and easy re-stretching at your local framer.
Learn more about Framing Aboriginal Art.
From Tasmania to your doorstep, no matter where you are in the world. Enjoy free domestic shipping on all orders. International shipping is free for orders over $500 AUD, and a flat rate of $30 applies for orders under that amount.
Customs & Duties: Original artworks under tariff 970191(0000) are duty and tax-free when arriving in the United States and Canada. The UK applies a reduced VAT of 5%, France 5.5%, and Germany 7%. Other countries may have different duty rates, so we recommend checking before purchase.
Learn more about Customs and Shipping.