The age-old practice of weaving from the leaves of Gunga (Pandanus Spiralis) continues today and Gunga earrings are a popular form of wearable art.

The spiky pandanus leaves are sometimes difficult to harvest, followed by the careful task of flaying the leaves before hanging them to dry. Only the few central leaves of the palm growing from the core which have not bent are used. These can be ten or twenty feet high so a special crook known as a Galpuŋaniny must be used to work these out of the growing tree. The pandanus (known as Gunga – Pandanus Yirrkalaensis) recovers completely but cannot be re-harvested for some months.

This is then dyed using natural dyes from the bulbs, roots or bark of various woodland plants. Each of these plants only grow in different specific locations. Once the material is collected, trimmed, dried and dyed the weaving begins. This is almost always done by women in groups.

Some of the plants used for dying are; Yiriŋaniny which is a small grass like plant with a red bulb under the ground, Burukpili (Cheesefruit/Noni) whose root fives a yellow dye. These and others are used with various catalysts like the ask from particular plants to create endless variations of colour.

Gunga earring hooks and J-loops that are sold by Buku-Larryŋgay are sterling silver unless otherwise stated.