Peggy Smith - Papa (dog) Tjanpi Sculpture
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- Details
- Tjanpi Desert Weaver
- Materials
- Aboriginal Artist - Peggy Smith
- Community -
- Aboriginal Art Centre - Tjanpi Desert Weavers
- Materials - Grass, raffia, and wool
- Size(cm) - H17 L51 W26
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)
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Art is a powerful tool for remote Aboriginal artists to support themselves and their families while enriching people's lives and transforming homes. This beautiful artwork, like all we offer, is sold in partnership with a community-run Aboriginal Art centre that prioritises their artists' best interests. These not-for-profit organisations are publicly audited and certify the artwork, ensuring its authenticity and fair payment. As their partner, our role is to champion these beautiful artworks and give you the confidence to support them by swiftly delivering pieces that perfectly match what you see online, thanks to our meticulous editing and high-end photography. With 120-day returns (that you likely won't need) and fast, free delivery, feel confident in seamlessly acquiring art you will be proud to own. No matter where you are in the world, we deliver from our base in Launceston, Tasmania (Lutruwita). International orders under $500 AUD incur $30 AUD postage.
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