$363.00 Regular price

Tjanpi Desert Weaver Sculpture: Tjilkamarta (Echidna) by Delilah Shepherd

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.

Delilah Shepherd, Warakurna, WA

Delilah (Roberta) Shepherd was born in Docker River, Northern Territory in the 1970’s. Delilah now lives in Warakurna community, Western Australia with her husband Godfrey Marlya Golding.

Delilah began making Tjanpi in 2009. She primarily focuses upon basket weaving, but started extending her creations to sculptures in 2016 at a skills development workshop in Warakurna. She has also produced a number of stunning woven lampshades (pictured) as part of Tjanpi’s collaboration with Sydney-based design group Koskela.

  • Tjikamarta (Enchidna) 54-26
  • L30cm x W11cm x H13cm
  • Tjanpi (grass), Acrylic wool, raffia
Tjanpi Desert Weaver Sculpture: Tjilkamarta (Echidna) by Delilah Shepherd

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