Rug Wool 5×8 (152x244cm) XL

These beautiful, unique rugs are a cross-cultural collaboration combining Aboriginal designs and traditional Kashmiri rug-making techniques. Chain stitched, using hand dyed wool and finished with a heavy cotton backing, each rug is a completely handmade piece. This project is unusual because the rug is owned by the artists, rather than licensed to a third party. A more empowering way to work, this brings many direct benefits to the artists’ and their community. Control and ownership of intellectual property are also maintained. Purchase of these rugs guarantees a direct return to the Aboriginal artist and their community.

These rugs have non-slip backing and a sleeve for hanging rod.

In this design Josette Papajua is illustrating an island ceremony. 

During Ceremony on the Tiwi Islands a series of “Yoi”, dances are performed, some are totemic (matrilineal) and others act out newly composed songs. Participants are painted with turtiyanginari (natural ochres) transforming the dancers and protecting them against mapurtiti (spirits). These designs are collectively called Jilamara.

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.