Helen McCarthy Tyalmuty
Syaw and Sun Mat - HMCG0303
| Framed: YES |
| Size: H-91 X W-211 cm. |
| Medium: Acrylic on Linen |
| Price: $24,995.00 AUD (*Taxes Included) |
| Product No: HMCG0303 |
Syaw (pronounced 'shaw')
In Helen's country there is both saltwater and freshwater, with an abundance of fish. In the olden days, people would go hunting with fish nets woven out of pandanus. Over time, parts of the fish net would rot and need repairing.
Today Syaw is still made, but as more of a decorative object rather than for hunting.
Sun mats are beautiful circular woven mats made out of natural fibres. The mats are made by the women, who collect the pandanus from the Pandanus Spiralis tree, strip, boil with natural bush dyes (Falmity) and leave to dry before weaving.
Helen's mother-in law, noted artist Regina Wilson, makes beautiful sun mats. "When I think of Sun mats, I always think of her" explains Helen.
Regina Wilson is also an important cultural leader of the Daly River community, who mediates conflicts and disputes that may occur among different families. In a way, she is weaving lives together.