It's 2024 and we're kicking off a new year of workshops at Songlines in Darwin!

Every wondered how beautiful Top End Aboriginal natural fibre weavings are created? This is the opportunity to find out and try it yourself.

We have a number of expert and patient Arnhem Land weavers happy to share their skills with you. We anticipate this workshop will be led by Betty and she's looking forward to teaching you fibre techniques that have been handed down by her ancestors, skills in use over thousands of years. We will have at least two teachers present.

Over 3 hours we'll share with you techniques for preparing and weaving Pandanus fibre - both coil and twined (traditional) techniques. Everything is hands-on. Be ready for laughter, sharing and learning.

Betty teaching a Pandanus weaving workshop — Betty (top left) teaching Pandanus stripping

ON THE DAY

Fresh (prickly) Pandanus fronds may be on hand on the day (if the planets align) - but this cannot be guaranteed.

We have pre-prepared fibre on hand (stripped, dyed and dry) so we can start weaving, learning the coil technique or mat (traditional twined) weaving techniques. The latter technique can be taught if Betty is available.

Weavers will be here from 10.30 am and we wind up around 1.30 pm. You are welcome to stay on and finish your piece.

We have bench seating but please bring a cushion if you'd like a bit more comfort.

*Songlines is open from 10 am - 3 pm.

Betty teaching pandanus weaving — Betty and student

WHAT'S PROVIDED?

Teachers, pandanus used during the workshop, needles, tea, coffee and cold water.

FACILITATOR

The workshop session will be facilitated by Felicity Wright. She has a long history of managing and working in remote community art centres and facilitating a range of art and cultural experiences for visitors.

Felicity will give some background to Top End weaving fibres and techniques and how they relate to the culture of Kunwinjku and Burarra people. You will also explain how the amazing colour palettes are created from locally sourced natural dyes.

The teachers are drawn from her extensive network of weavers from remote communities, some of who now live in or regularly visit Darwin.

CULTURAL NOTICE

Please be aware - the teachers who deliver the workshops have asked that we only accept women as attendees. This is for cultural reasons. Thank you for your understanding.