Sculpture | Tinka (lizard) | Pauline Coombe | Tjanpi | 46 x 33 x 4cm

This vibrantly coloured Tinka (lizard) sculpture has been handmade by Pauline Coombe, an artist belonging to the Yankunytjatjara language and cultural group from the community of Apatula (Finke), Northern Territory. Featuring beautifully coloured weaving, it would look fabulous mounted on the wall. 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:
46 x 33 x 4cm
Materials: Tjanpi (grasses) Raffia and wool
To view all the Tjanpi sculptures and baskets we have available click HERE

More about Pauline Coombe:
Pauline has worked with NPY Women's Council for over 20 years, and is a strong spokesperson for her region. She really enjoys the weaving process and employs great skill and attention to detail in her beautiful pieces. Pauline is always looking to challenge herself and make new and interesting Tjanpi fibre works such as hanging baskets, tea cups and elaborate birds.

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