![Image Loading Spinner](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0949/4240/files/Colour_Spinner.gif?v=1690465654)
![Image Loading Spinner](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0949/4240/files/Colour_Spinner.gif?v=1690465654)
![Aboriginal Art by Margaret Smith - Papa (dog) Tjanpi Sculpture - ART ARK®](http://artark.com.au/cdn/shop/files/MargaretSmith18913x21x11cm_800x1024.jpg?v=1716868406)
![Aboriginal Art by Margaret Smith - Papa (dog) Tjanpi Sculpture - ART ARK®](http://artark.com.au/cdn/shop/files/MargaretSmith18913x21x11cm2_800x1024.jpg?v=1716868406)
Margaret Smith - Papa (dog) Tjanpi Sculpture
Your Purchase Supports the Artist and Positively Impacts the Art Industry
Ethical & Certified by Community Art Centre
Original Artwork
Fast & Free Delivery
120 Day Returns
Authenticity Guarantee
Colour Correct Images
1490+ Reviews
- Details
- Tjanpi Desert Weaver
- Materials
- Aboriginal Artist - Margaret Smith
- Community -
- Aboriginal Art Centre - Tjanpi Desert Weavers
- Materials - Grass, raffia, and wool
- Size(cm) - H13 L21 W11
Tjanpi (meaning ‘dry grass’) evolved from a series of basket weaving workshops held on remote communities in the Western Desert by the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunyjatjara Womens’ Council in 1995. Building on traditions of using fibre for medicinal, ceremonial and daily purposes, women took easily to making coiled baskets. These new-found skills were shared with relations on neighbouring communities and weaving quickly spread. Today there are over 400 women across 28 communities making baskets and sculptures out of grass and working with fibre in this way is firmly embedded in Western and Central Desert culture. While out collecting desert grasses for their fibre art women visit sacred sites and traditional homelands, hunt and gather food for their families and teach their children about country. Tjanpi Desert Weavers is Aboriginal owned and is directed by an Aboriginal executive. It is an art business but also a social enterprise that provides numerous social and cultural benefits and services to weavers and their families. Tjanpi’s philosophy is to keep culture strong, maintain links with country and provide meaningful employment to the keepers and teachers of the desert weaving business.
Made from a combination of native desert grasses, seeds and feathers, commercially bought raffia (sometimes dyed with native plants), string and wool, Tjanpi artworks are unique, innovative and constantly evolving. Some baskets and sculptures contain raffia which is purchased in Australia, imported from Madagascar. Natural hanks of raffia can sometimes be dyed with commercial dyes and less often with natural dyes. Most popular grass used in artworks is Minarri (greybeard grass, Amphipogon caricirus)
Beautiful Aboriginal Art for Your Home
Delivered within days, your beautiful artwork will arrive exactly as you see it online, lovingly packed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the community not-for-profit art centre. Every piece we offer supports artists through their art centres, ensuring authenticity and ethicality in every purchase. With meticulous editing, high-end photography, and seamless service, we guarantee that your art arrives promptly and perfectly. Enjoy fast, free delivery and 120-day returns, making art acquisition both easy and rewarding.
We deliver artworks worldwide from our base in Launceston, Tasmania (Lutruwita).
For international orders under $500 AUD, a $30 AUD postage fee applies.
Customer Testimonials
Our customers consistently praise our fast deliveries, the accuracy of our images, and our ethical business model. Check out our customer reviews to learn more about their great experiences.