Cushion Cover Wool 40cm (16in)

These beautiful, unique textiles are a cross-cultural collaboration combining Aboriginal designs and traditional Kashmiri handicraft. The chain-stitched (Gabba in local Kashmiri) cushions are hand stitched by rural folk in remote villages in one specific region of Kashmir. Over generations they have honed their skills and refined their hand crafted produce. Only the most skilful artisans can faithfully reproduce the images we send to them. Aboriginal artists in remote regions in Australia, as well as others living in our cities, benefit from regular royalties paid monthly, as well as using these products to tell other people about their rich cultural heritage.

In this design Paddy Japaljarri Stewart is illustrating the story of Puurda Manu Wanakji Jukurrpa.

This design shows the Yam and Bush Tomato Dreaming. You can see the Yams and the small round berries of the Bush Tomatoes. In the Dreamtime the people used to eat these fruits and vegetables, just as our old people lived off them. The artists painted this painting to teach the children. 

The pure wool is dyed in situ and the stitching is done by hand, the chain-stitch being a traditional Kashmiri handicraft.