Tjanpi Desert Weavers facts for kids
Tjanpi Desert Weavers is a special group that helps over 400 women. These women come from 26 different communities in the NPY region of Australia. NPY stands for Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara, and Yankunytjatjara, which are the names of the lands and languages of these people.
The word "Tjanpi" means a type of spinifex grass in the Pitjantjatjara language. The women collect this local grass and other materials. They then weave them into beautiful handmade artworks. They create many things like baskets, jewelry, beads, and fiber sculptures. This group helps women find jobs and become more independent.
How Tjanpi Weaving Started
Weaving grass is not a very old tradition in Central Australia. But in 1995, the women learned how to do it. They quickly used skills they already had. They knew how to spin human hair, animal fur, and wool.
By working together, the Tjanpi weavers keep their strong cultural connections. They also stay connected to each other. As part of the program, the women gather grass for their art. They also hunt, gather food, and visit important sacred places. They perform "inma," which means cultural songs and dances. They also teach these traditions to younger people.
This special group helps the women stay on their traditional lands. One senior artist said, "We don't have to leave our lands to be basket makers." The Tjanpi Desert Weavers also have a public art gallery in Alice Springs.
Art Shows and Awards
The artworks by Tjanpi Desert Weavers are very famous. You can find them in art collections all over Australia and the world. In 2005, a group of 18 artists won a big award. It was the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award. They won for their artwork called Tjanpi Toyota.
The Tjanpi Desert Weavers also worked with artist Fiona Hall. Together, they created Kuka Irititja (Animals from Another Time). This artwork was shown at the Venice Biennale in 2015. This is a very important international art show.
In 2017, they made a big project with the National Museum of Australia. This artwork was called Kungkarrangkalnga-ya Parrpakanu (The Seven Sisters Are Flying).
In 2020, the National Gallery of Australia asked them to create a large artwork. This artwork told the story of Kungkarangkalpa (the Seven Sisters Dreaming). It was a main part of the gallery's Know My Name Exhibition.
Artists of Tjanpi Desert Weavers
Many talented artists are part of the Tjanpi Desert Weavers. Some of them include:
- Kanytjupayi Benson
- Nyurpaya Kaika-Burton
- Roma Butler
- Yangi Yangi Fox
- Niningka Lewis, also known as Kunmanara Lewis (1945-2020)
- Paniny Mick
- Mary Katatjuku Pan
- Tjunkaya Tapaya
- Carlene Thompson
- Ilawanti Ungkutjuru
- Yaritji Young
Famous artist Betty Muffler has also made baskets for Tjanpi Desert Weavers.
