Bush Dye + Seashell & Seed Earring Gift Pack

Bush Dye + Seashell & Seed Earring Gift PackBush Dye Anindilyakwa women hold ancient knowledge of their land, reflected in their traditional bush dyeing practices. Natural dyes are harvested from native plants, such as roots, leaves, bark, and berries, as well as repurposed metal objects found in the community. The dyeing process begins with a bush trip to gather materials, followed by the careful design of garments. Fabrics are bound with leaves and objects before being boiled, transforming

Bush Dye

Anindilyakwa women hold ancient knowledge of their land, reflected in their traditional bush dyeing practices. Natural dyes are harvested from native plants, such as roots, leaves, bark, and berries, as well as repurposed metal objects found in the community.

The dyeing process begins with a bush trip to gather materials, followed by the careful design of garments. Fabrics are bound with leaves and objects before being boiled, transforming the silk from white into a one-of-a-kind expression of the landscape. This process honours traditional knowledge and the connection to the land.

Seashell/Seed Jewellery

 Vibrant and diverse seeds are collected from local plants to create jewellery as well as Shells. 

The little red beads often present in Anindilyakwa jewellery come from the Adenanthera Pavonina Tree, commonly known as the red bead tree. Thin brown seeds come from the Coffee Bean Seed. Gum nuts, shells, woven pandanus and various other nuts often adorn these handmade wares.

Shells are collected from local beaches on Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island. The shells are usually found at low tide and sometimes have a small slug inside. After the shells are collected they are boiled for a few hours and then they are spread out in the sun and left to dry for a few days. The slugs are then removed with a small stick. Each shell is then placed one by one on a rock and a small hole is made with either a small sharp stick or a piece of bone. The shells are then threaded on to fine fishing line, and sometimes adding seeds and shark cartilage. Before fishing line, shells were threaded onto bush string

Dimensions: 

Scrunchie: 15cm x 15cm 

Silk Scarf Small: 40cm x 150cm 

Earring Length: 9cm