Face Mask | MCA x Ikuntji Artists | Watiya Tjuta by Mitjili Napurrula | Black | Assorted Sizes

These beautifully structured face masks have been lovingly handmade using screen-printed fabric designed by Kumuntjai Napurrula from Ikuntji Artists in Haasts Bluff, Northern Territory. Designed to sit away from your mouth to make breathing easier (and masks more stylish) - they consist of 3 layers (outer: screen printed linen Tencel, non woven middle, cotton lining). A metal nose splint and adjustable elastic on the ears allow you to fit the mask snuggly to the curves of your face.

In this design Kumuntjai Napurrula depicts her father's Tjukurrpa, the ceremonial spear straightening in Uwalkari country (Gibson desert region). The Watiya Tjuta (Acacia Trees) are the trees that are used to make these spears. Mitjili paints the motif of the Watiya Tjuta, carrying on the same recurring motif as her mother used to draw in the sand. Ikuntji Artists is a member-based, not for profit, Aboriginal art centre. It is situated in the community of Haasts Bluff (Ikuntji), and has a board of seven First Nations directors all of whom live and work locally. The fabric is printed by hand in small batches in order to ensure the highest quality and longevity. These unique masks are exclusive to the MCA Store and are a fantastic way to show your support for this Aboriginal Art Centre while looking stylish!

Note: As each mask is handmade the pattern placement is always unique.  If you would like to see some photos of which masks we currently have in stock please pop a note on your order at checkout or email us at store@mca.com.au and we will do out best to accommodate your preference. 

Details:
Fabric Care: Gentle cold hand wash only.
Available in three different sizes:
(Please note the photo shows a size L)
Small is good for late teens, ladies, smaller faces.
Nose to Chin: 13.5cm
Width: 21.5cm (without ear straps)
Side height: 7cm
Medium is perfect for most adult heads and men.
Nose to Chin: 16cm
Width: 24cm (without ear straps)
Side height: 7cm
Large is good for people with bigger faces, or men with beards
Nose to Chin: 17.5cm
Width: 24cm (without ear straps)
Side height: 7.5cm

Artist information: 

MITJILI NAPURRULA

Language: Luritja
Community: Mount Liebig

Mitjili grew up in Papunya and moved to Haasts Bluff with her late husband Long Tom Tjapanangka in the late 1980?s during the outstation movement.  The couple started painting at Ikuntji in 1992 with the opening of Ikuntji Women?s Centre, both contributing significantly to the emerging art movement there. She gained an international following after winning the Alice Springs Art Prize in 1999.

The Watiya Tjuta in Mitjili?s paintings is her father?s Tjukurrpa (dreaming) in Ilyingaungau country (Gibson Desert). This was passed down to her by her mother; she remembers  ??After I got married, my mother taught me my father?s Tjukurrpa in the sand, that?s what I?m painting on the canvas?, a women?s interpretation.

Mitjili lived at an outstation close to Papunya where she continued to paint in her later years, along side her family and fellow artists such as Ann Lane nee Dixon. Mitjili passed away in April 2019.

Size

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