Description
Composition: Hand dyed wool and cotton
Size: 122 x 183 cm (48 x 72 inches)
Features:
- Hand embroidered/chain-stitched
- All natural fibres – embroidered wool on cotton canvas
- Fair Trade certified
- Limited edition – individually numbered
- Certificate of Authenticity supplied with each kilim
- Royalties paid to the artist/family on every sale
- Hard wearing
- Back has non-slip surface
- Each kilim has flap on the rear for ease of hanging with dowel/rod
- Matching cushion covers are also available
Chain-stitched kilims are a traditional rug/soft furnishings making technique from Kashmir. As people sat on the floor they were both homewares and decoration. As many artworks are painted on the ground or 3D surfaces/bodies most of the images do not have a set orientation so can also be hung portrait or landscape if preferred.
Artist: Nelly Patterson
Nelly is teaching her Anangu people the Tjukurpa. The Tjukurpa (prononced Choo-kur-pa) is the ancient law and lore of the desert which has been passed down from Elders to youth from the time before this time began. It is passed down by songs, stories, ceremony and dancing.
She explains: “Ceremony is important to teach the natural law that was passed on at the beginning of time when the Earth was created. Anangu people remember how to look after the Earth. All of the Elders are holding on to this law and culture. We need to pass on this knowledge to the Earth now through our youth.”
Design story: Kungkarrangkalpa (Seven Sisters Creation Story)
Nelly has an intimate knowledge of the Seven Sisters Storyan epic Tjukurpa (creation) story in which a man, Wati Nyiru chases seven sisters across the whole of Australia.The sisters started in Whyalla. Wati Nyiru chased them down to Port Augusta and wouldnt leave the sisters alone. He wanted to marry the big sister. The sisters left in the middle of the night to try and get away from him while he was sleeping. When Wati Nyiru woke, he wondered where the sisters had gone, but he soon was on their trail again, and found them near Canberra. The eldest sister was worried – she knew he was there again, watching the sisters while they camped. Nelly explains that Wati Nyiru was a mad one, he knew they were scared, but he still followed them. Wati Nyiru got very close to the sisters. The eldest sister was secretly signalling to the sisters that he was nearby, so as to not let Wati Nyiru know she was aware he was there. The man, Wati Nyiru, was singing about how much he wanted the big sister. He did too much dancing, that man, and the sisters ran away. He loved all the girls. The girls kept running. This painting depicts some of the places where the sisters camped. Ultimately the sisters escaped into the sky and formed the constellation Pleiades. He followed and is forever watching them as Orion.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
Do not put place/use in direct sunlight or colors may fade. To clean – dry cleaning recommended. Can be ironed on a wool steam setting.
About the Better World Arts chainstitch kilim products
These beautiful, unique textiles are a cross-cultural collaboration combining Aboriginal designs and traditional Kashmiri rug-making techniques. Chain stitched, using hand dyed wool, each is a completely handmade piece. A more empowering way to work, this brings many direct benefits to the artists’ and their community. Control and ownership of intellectual property are also maintained. Purchase of these products guarantees a direct return to the Aboriginal artist’s family and their community.
