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Tjanpi Desert Weaver Sculpture: Tjulpu (Bird) by Angela Lyons

22cmL x 24cmW x 35cmH

Tjanpi Desert Weavers operates as a social enterprise under the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council, engaging women in the remote Central and Western desert regions to generate income through contemporary fibre art. The term "Tjanpi," meaning grass in Pitjantjatjara language, symbolizes the collaboration of over 400 Anangu/Yarnangu women artists hailing from 26 distant communities across the NPY lands.

These skilled Tjanpi artists utilize native grasses to craft remarkable contemporary fibre art, skillfully weaving intricate baskets and sculptures that showcase boundless creativity and ingenuity. Rooted in the traditional art of making manguri rings, the practice of working with fibre has evolved into an integral aspect of Central and Western desert culture.

"Born in Papulankutja (Blackstone), Western Australia in 1981, Angela spent her early years in this area, travelling around alongside her sisters with her parents, from whom she learnt about her Ngaanyatjarra culture, heritage and language. Angela later went to school inPapulankutja community, where she learnt her second language, English.

With her formal education completed, Angela married and had two children. Now her children are grown-up, Angela works as an Indigenous Ranger. This job means she regularly goes out fixing bores, mustering camels and conducting traditional burning.

Angela is part of an incredibly Artistic family, with both her sisters Mildred Lyons and Paula Sarkaway Lyons also respected Tjanpi artists. Angela’s entry into Tjanpi was in 2016 when she attended a sculpture Masterclass in Papulankutja. Despite her emerging status, Angela is creating strong, well woven works depicting quirky desert animals."

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