The Tjanpi Desert Weavers are a collective of women from the communities in the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, using traditional techniques to weave artworks from dry grass abundant on their Countries.
Now, six of their striking woven sculptures are heading to some of Europe's most respected institutions.
The Punu Pukurlpa, or 'Happy Trees', will make an appearance at the Deletaille Gallery before being exhibited at the Royal Museum of Art and History in the Belgian capital, Brussels.
Weaver Dianne Ungukalpi Golding spoke of the cultural and emotional importance of trees to the artists and their communities.
Dianne Golding and Roma Butler working on Punu Pukurlpa. Source: Tjanpi Desert Weavers
“There are lovely trees everywhere, ‘Punu’ means ‘protecting people’ especially when it is hot and are out in the bush,” she said.
“Trees provide cover that we can sit under, and when we take the tjitji (children) out to the bush, we can all sit under a big shady tree, out of the hot sun.
"If we get a flat tyre or the car breaks down, trees provide a safe place to rest and wait, sitting under the shade of a tree with a cup of tea is a lovely way to be together.
“Our trees have lots of shape and movement, and they look like happy dancing ladies.”
The Tjanpi Desert Weavers are a collective of more than 400 Anangu and Yarnangu women from 26 remote communities that make up the NPY Lands.
The enterprise gives the women a chance to monetise their artistic output, with a gallery in Alice Springs displaying their artwork.
