Rose Mamuniny Gurruwiwi

Lives and works in Elcho Island, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia.

Skin Name: Wamutjan, Clan: Galpu, Moiety: Dhuwa, Homelands: Caledon Bay

Rose Mamuniny is an exceptional fibre artist. She learnt the art of fibre work as a young woman from her mother’s mother Leti Dhamarrandji, her mother Dhananydjil Bukulatjpi and father Gaykupa Gurruwiwi. Mamuniny produces a range of work made from pandanus and string, including baskets and mats, but is best known for her work with feathers. Her skills are in demand to assist in the making of ceremonial pul pul which adorn the strings of Morning Star Poles made at Galiwin’ku by her brothers. Similar pul pul are incorporated in her necklaces, which use shark vertebrae, Nerita shells and feathers from the body of the red-collared lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis.

Mamuniny has exhibited extensively throughout Australia, including Art on a String, which toured Australia in 2002/3, Banumbirr Elcho Island and Bandigan Morning Star Collection, Maritime Museum, Sydney, 2002 and Fibre Art from Elcho Island, University of New South Wales, 1994. Her works are held in the Maritime Museum, Sydney, and Museum Victoria, Melbourne.