Sacred Dilly Bag - James Iyuna

A dilly bag (burlupurr in Burarra or kunmadj in Kunwinjku) is a large woven collecting basket. These large baskets or bags are often made from the vine Malasia scandens, a strong pliable plant which grows along the floor and into the canopy of monsoon vine thickets. The baskets are used to collect a variety of heavy foods such as fish caught in conical fish traps, or large collections of yams.

Dilly bags can also be made from Pandanus spiralis, a plant which grows in many areas of Arnhem Land. These dilly bags are very finely made, tightly woven collecting baskets. They are often used to collect sugarbagÑthe native honey.

As well as being of practical use, dilly bags are also of religious significance to Arnhem Land people. Dilly bags are said to be totemic objects and are associated with particular sites in the landscape.