Held by the teeth: biting bags from Milingimbi

Abstract

Museum collections and archives from Arnhem Land hold many objects that are linked to individuals and communities either through their making or their collection. Unlike some other material culture items, works made from fibre have received little critical attention from researchers. This article seeks to advance an understanding of biting bags, small looped string bags, made by Aboriginal people from an island in Arnhem Land, Milingimbi. Milingimbi is the home of Aboriginal people whom, for centuries, have hosted visitors and researchers. Many of these visitors have made collections of material culture and taken photographs. These collections now form the core research material for discovering the lives of Aboriginal people and their objects. An examination of the objects and an interrogation of documentation will recount events about people, things and their social and cultural customs.