Unique Aboriginal Gifts from Arnhem Land
You know the deal - Mum’s birthday is coming up. Dad’s shed can’t fit any more golf/whiskey/fishing memorabilia. Your bestie deserves a little treat just because. So what to get them?
These gifts from Australia’s Top End (Arnhem Land, Northern Territory specifically) are guaranteed to put a smile on your giftee’s face. How do we know? Each of these goodies have found a place in our home and we couldn’t be happier. And as an added benefit; you’re supporting small, First Nations owned businesses and the creatives that run them. On to the list!
Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala
Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka, located in Yirkrala in North-Easten Arnhem Land, is arguably one of the country’s finest art centres and galleries. It is famous for its bark paintings and Larrakitj (a decorated memorial pole made from a tree trunk) - examples of which can be found in national galleries and collections across the world. The works are incredible and well worth a visit just to see; though their size can make it a little difficult to place in one’s home.
The good news is you can still have a little piece of Yolŋu culture in your life; albeit on a smaller scale. The gallery has a fabulous online store that is regularly restocked with a selection of works from local artists, including:
The most beautiful handwoven mats and baskets using traditional weaving techniques and native dyes/fibres
Handmade jewellery using tree seeds and shells
Screen-printed tshirts and totes featuring resident artists’ works
Carved and painted sculptures perfect for your desk or home office
The best part? If you purchase online, you can see the artist’s profile who made it, the name of the item, how it is made and the story attached to it. We suggest printing a copy of this before you make your purchase, so you can give a copy with your gift.
Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka is a signatory to the Indigenous Art Code, ensuring its artists are paid a majority cut of the works that get sold, and are given all of the recognition they deserve. The centre is also one of the largest employers in the region and a supportive space for new and rising artists to showcase their works - you’ll see the selection of arts rotating frequently
Bush Medijina, Groote Archipelago
Tucked away in the Gulf of Carpenteria lies the Groote Archipelago; one of Australia’s most remote coastlines and home to some of the nation’s most isolated communities. Road access to the area is limited for the majority of the year; bush planes can access some of the dirt runways but airfares are high and out of reach for most. Wanting to support the economic development of their people, a group of female traditional owners gathered together to create Bush Medijina with a mission of empowerment, financial education and a goal of promoting ancient traditions and medicinal practices. The result? A skin and haircare brand featuring only native ingredients and botanicals that are absolutely divine.
Our favourites include:
Post-shaving beard balms for the shavers with sensitive skin
Calming balms and sprays perfect for destressing after a long day at work
Reviving body scrubs and shower scents
Lip balms with the perfect texture, not too thick, not too thin
Bundles and gift packs for those who can’t decide!
Even better; the Bush Medijina website is a treat for the senses and seeks to educate the consumer on the benefits of native ingredients and bush medicine. Profits from sales go directly back to community and support further development goals for the business; over the last few years they have been able to expand to a brick and mortar store in Cairns. Move over Lush; there’s a new cosmetics company in town!
Credit: Bush Medijina
Tiwi Designs, Wurrumiyanga
Just a short distance from Darwin lie the Tiwi Islands - yet when you step ashore, you feel as though you have travelled to another world entirely. And interestingly, the style of art here changes too when compared to the mainland. Tiwi Designs are the largest producers of textiles and artworks on Wurrumiyanga/Bathurst Island and are a visitor favourite for the sheer range diversity in their products. At any given time, the centre is bustling with artists and creators; so it is also a wonderful opportunity to see how some of these works are created.
Tiwi artwork varies in terms of style and usage of colours, so we recommend taking a look at:
The wide range of hand-printed textiles that can be used for almost any sewing project
Gorgeous carved animal totems
Painted and glazed ceramics
Credit - Tiwi Designs