Sculpture | Tjulpu (bird) | Priscilla McLean | Tjanpi | 36 x 23 x 20cm

This fantastically colourful Tjulpu (bird) sculpture has been handmade by Priscilla McLean, a Ngaanyatjarra artist from the remote community of Mantamaru (Jameson), Western Australia. Featuring vibrant pink wool and the sweetest expression, 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:
36 x 23 x 20cm
Materials: Tjanpi (grasses) Raffia and wool
To view all the Tjanpi sculptures and baskets we have available click HERE

More about Priscilla McLean:
Priscilla is an artist, whose creative and arts practice covers a broad range of
disciplines. She grew up and continues to reside in the remote community of Mantamaru, Western Australia, located 1600 km north east of Perth. Priscilla began weaving in 2019 and prior to this she had watched her aunt, fellow Tjanpi artust Peggy Simms weaving baskets around the fire at night. Priscilla is inspired by central Australian animals and focuses on sculpting tjilkamarta (echidna), mingkirri (mice), camels and papas (dogs)
using a mix of minarri (native grass), raffia and wool.

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