Tinka (lizard) sculpture

Tjanpi Desert Weavers is a social enterprise of the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council, working with women in the remote Central and Western desert regions who earn an income from contemporary fibre art. Tjanpi (meaning grass in Pitjantjatjara language) represents over 400 Anangu/Yarnangu women artists from 26 remote communities on the NPY lands.

Tjanpi artists use native grasses to make spectacular contemporary fibre art, weaving beautiful baskets and sculptures and displaying endless creativity and inventiveness. Originally developing from the traditional practice of making manguri rings, working with fibre in this way has become a fundamental part of Central and Western desert culture.

Material: Tjanpi (grass), wool, raffia

Dimensions: L65cm x W20cm x H18cm

About the Maker: Andrea Giles was born in Alice Springs. She is a young woman who lives in Tjukurla Community where she is raising her young son, with the support of her family. Andrea’s mother is Sheila Giles and the well-known artist Nyarapyi Giles is her Grandmother on her father’s side of the family. Both Nyarapyi and Shelia have been strong teachers and support for Andrea in her development as an artist.

Photos: Tjanpi Desert Weavers