Sculpture | Mingkirri (mouse) | Margaret Smith | Tjanpi | 30 x 14 x 12cm

This wonderfully cute Mingkirri (mouse) sculpture has been handmade by Margaret Smith, an artist belonging to the Yankunytjatjara language and cultural group from the remote community of Imanpa, Northern Territory. It is rare to see Tjanpi weavings in the form of a mouse, this is a truly special piece of First Nations art.

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:
30 x 14 x 12cm
Materials: Tjanpi (grasses) Raffia and wool
To view all the Tjanpi sculptures and baskets we have available click HERE

More about Margaret Smith:
Margaret has been weaving since 2014 and quickly refined her artistic skills to create high-calibre baskets and sculptures. Margaret has
developed a very unique and quirky style and often experiments with different animal sculptures such as cats and horses. Alongside being an accomplished artist, Margaret has played a crucial role in NPY Women’s Council as a board member and advocate for many years. She is currently the NPY Women's Council Chairperson. Margaret studied interpreting in Alice Springs and became one of the very first Anangu accredited interpreters.

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