In Kunwinjku language, necklaces and earrings and other body adornments are usually named after the body part they are used for. A necklace is a “for the neck”, and a bracelet is a “for the arm”. An earring is known as “Kunkanemkenh”, made up of “kunkanem” (ear) and “kenh” (for).
All pandanus earrings are handwoven and hand dyed from materials sourced from the Gunbalanya region.The Incredible craftswomen gather fresh young leaves from the pandanus palm using a hooked stick, then strip and dry them. The pandanus is then boiled up on the campfire with local plant dyes. The earrings are adorned with sterling silver safety hooks.
Injalak Arts has been a centre for art, craft and community since it’s opening in 1989. Based in Gunbalanya, an Aboriginal community of 1200 in West Arnhem Land at the top of the Northern Territory in Australia.