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 Damien and Nyinkayla Marks illustrates the story of Family and Country.

This is a teaching painting, describing a dry season in Mount Liebig, in the Northern Territory. Women and children collect bush potatoes and prepare for inma (ceremony). A man, wati, sits down with his waru (spear). Controlled burnings are taking place as the spinifex is dry and this means good fruits can grow.

This work is produced in remote villages by local artists. The pure wool is dyed in situ and the stitching is done by hand; chain-stitch is a traditional Kashmiri handicraft.