An-gujechiya (Fish trap) 2006

An-gujechiya are fish traps made with the twine of a sturdy tropical vine (Malaisia scandens). The traps were traditionally used in Arnhem Land in conjunction with jina-bakara – long, woven mats that were set across flowing creeks as barriers, to divert fish into the conical snare. The artists who now weave these traps live close to the Blyth River in central Arnhem Land and fresh fish are a dietary staple. The ready availability of materials in this area provides the inspiration for the traps and grass-fish fences. 

The weavers are highly skilled: spacers are inserted at regular intervals during weaving to maintain the rounded shape of the trap, while a small sapling keeps the mouth rigid. A woven ‘funnel’ is inserted and stitched on the inside of the mouth, narrowing it so that once the fish are caught, they cannot easily escape.