Basket | Sally Foster | Tjanpi | 18 x 18 x 7cm

This vibrantly hued woven basket has been handmade by Sally Foster, an artist belonging to the Ngaanyatjarra language and cultural group and lives in the remote community of Irrunytju (Wingellina), Western Australia. Weaving with fibre in this way has become a fundamental part of Central and Western desert culture and draws on the traditional practice of making manguri rings - a ring worn on the head made of grasses and cloth.  Here we see traditional weaving techniques re-framed using a mix of traditional and contemporary materials - including wool! The result is a strikingly bold and colourful sculptural piece with layers of historical significance.

Tjanpi Desert Weavers is an aboriginal owned social enterprise that works with over 400 Anangu/Yarnangu women artists from 26 remote communities across the remote Central and Western desert regions. Tjanpi artists use native grasses, wool, string, seeds and feathers to make spectacular contemporary fibre art, weaving beautiful baskets and sculptures and displaying endless creativity and inventiveness. While out collecting desert grasses, women visit sacred sights and traditional homelands, hunt and gather food for their families and teach their children about country.

Details:
18 x 18 x 7cm
Materials: Tjanpi (grasses) and raffia
To view all the Tjanpi sculptures and baskets we have available click HERE

More about Sally Foster:
Sally is the daughter of Kunmanara Foster, a previous Director of NPY Women’s Council, important senior law-woman and much-loved Tjanpi artist. Sally’s mother began teaching her to make Tjanpi in 2012, however, it was not until 2018 that she began creating more regularly. Since this 􀆟time, Sally’s strengths as a weaver have developed quickly. Her work is characterised by long, repetitive, embroidery–
like stitches, which allows her to create extremely strong sculptural pieces. Sally’s sculptures demonstrate an aptitude for life-like representation, and are often inspired by the animals around community.

Please note: measurements are approximate due to the 3D nature of Tjanpi baskets.