An unlikely combination of cultures has come together in an exchange of artistic talents and practical skills to produce a series beautiful and unique rugs.
The designs created by Aboriginal artists from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunyjatjara Lands. Better World Arts works in collaboration with the art centres and designs are sent to Kashmir and are used to create these unique items. The products are made in strategic partnership with a small, family owned traditional handicraft workshop in Kashmir. The project was initiated in 1998, and has been running continuously since that time, gradually building momentum.
A feature that made the collaboration particularly attractive was that the industry in Kashmir is a cottage type industry that supports indigenous people at a grass roots level. This draws an interesting parallel with Kaltjiti Arts and Crafts and Tjala Arts which are community owned art centers, providing culturally appropriate employment to Aboriginal artists in remote South Australia. The artists receive royalties and their art centres receive a profit share from the sales of all rugs, cushion covers and paper mache.
In Kashmir highly skilled artisans are employed to produce rugs and paper mache. The wool used in the making of the rugs and cushion covers is hand dyed to match the colours in the designs and then embroidered onto the canvas, using a specially designed hand held tool. The finished rugs are washed in the river. This method of rug making is particular to Kashmir. The rugs are known as chain stitched kilims. This method of rug making was developed in the 16th century though the actual technique originates prior to that time.

This rug is the product of a cross cultural project between Better World Arts and Kashmiri artisans.

Code:brsa 010a
This design is owned by Kathy Maringka. It measures 120 x 180cm, (4' x 6')
$880.00AUD inc gst SOLD

This rug design is from an original painting, done in acrylic paint on paper. This abstract image is typical of Walka work, which is unique to the Aboriginal women artists of Pitjantjara/ Yankunytjatjara Lands, in remote north-west South Australia. The different forms of the dessert landscape have a great impact on the artists use of colour and image construction.

The imagery is also influenced by the ancient Aboriginal culture and the land from which it draws its origins. Specific titles, however, are seldom given to the 'walka' artwork. This piece is a good example of very recent, more simplified images now being produced at Kaltjiti Arts.

This design is owned by Tali Tali Pomey.

Code:TPO43bHs
This rug measures 5' x 3' (150cm x 90cm)
$880.00AUD inc gst

This deign is owned by Kathy Maringka from Kaltjiti Arts Handmade Chainstitch Rug

Code:kkmar84b
This rug measures 5' x 3' (90cm x 150cm)
$630.00AUD inc gst

The design for this rug is from an original painting. The style of art is known as 'walka'. Walka refers to any meaningful mark of pattern and is a style which is unique to the Aboriginal women artists of the Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara Lands in remote, north-west South Australia.

The different forms of the desert landscape have a great impact on the artists' use of colour and image construction. The imagery is influenced by the ancient Aboriginal culture and the land from which it draws its origins. Specific titles, however, are seldom given to the 'walaka' artwork. The artistic process is instinctive and imaginative.

This design is owned by Brenda Williams.

Code: BWI59b
This wool rug measures 90x150cm
$630.00AUD inc gst SOLD

The main motif of this painting depicts the Wakirlpirri (Dogwood-Acacia coriacea) tree. Wakirlpirri is a very useful tree that grows on the sides of creek beds and near Mulga trees. The seeds can be eaten raw or they can be cooked on the fire and a deliciously sweet drink called Yinjirrpi is made from the seeds when they have been dried. The wood can be used to make Karli (boomerangs), other waepons and dancing boards for ceremony and is good wood for burning on the fire - rain cannot extinguish burning Wakirlpirri wood. In contemporary Wakirlpirri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurra, particular sites and other elements. The Jukurrpa travels from Jarrarda-Jarrayi through to Puturlu (Mount Theo) west of Yuendumu. This Jukurrpa belongs to Japanangka and Japangardi men, and Napanangka and Napangardi women.

This deisgn is owned by Liddy Walker.

Code: WLWA503b
This wool rug measures 90x150cm
$630.00AUD inc gst

This rug is the product of a cross cultural project
between Better World Arts and Kashmiri artisans.

This design is owned by Judy Watson.
Code: wjwar501c
It measures 122cm x 183cm(4' x 6')
Price: AU $910.00
(Inc GST: $1,000.00) SOLD

This rug is the product of a cross cultural project between Better World Arts and Kashmiri artisans.

Code: krkar100b
This design is owned by Robin Kankapankatja. It measures 92 x 165cm, (5'.5 x 3')
Price: AU $714.00
(Inc GST: $785.00)

This rug is the product of a cross cultural project between Better World Arts and Kashmiri artisans.

Code: ktpor44b
This design is owned by Tali Tali Pompey. It measures 92 x 153cm, (5' x 3')
Price: AU $637.00
(Inc GST: $700.00)