Australian Aboriginal fibrecraft

A general-purpose belt is made of the string, from which things could be hung, such as small game like goannas in order to free the hands on long walks and hunts.

Among some groups, including the Pitjantjajara, a small modesty apron was made of the string for young girls to wear when they reached puberty.

People in Central Australia today may talk of a girl having her "string broken",[1] which can mean sexual abuse, or having sex when she is not ready.

In the Kimberley region of Western Australia, the men wore pearl shells as a pubic covering, which they call Riji,[2] and which are considered extremely sacred.

Some examples included dangurang — a lobster, bapa — lightning, matjur — an ibis flying into a tree and gapu — the ripples on a pool.

Pandanus and sand-palm are used in areas such as the Daly River region and Arnhem Land to weave carry baskets, dilly string bags, wall hangings, fibre sculpture, floor mats and fish nets.