 | | An
unlikely combination of cultures has come together in an exchange of artistic
talents and practical skills to produce a beautiful and unique series of rugs.
The designs are created by Aboriginal artists from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunyjatjara
Lands. Better World Arts works in collaboration with the art centres sending the
designs to Kashmir which are then used to create these distinctive items. The
products are made in deliberate partnership with a small, family owned traditional
handicraft workshop in Kashmir. Initiated in 1998, the project has run continuously,
gradually building in momentum. The
industry in Kashmir being a cottage type industry supporting indigenous people
at a grass roots level was a key feature making the collaboration particularly
attractive. This draws an interesting parallel with Kaltjiti Arts and Crafts and
Tjala Arts which are community owned art centres, 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 the rugs and paper mache.
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 then washed in the river. The rugs
are known as chain stitched kilims. This method of rug making is particular to
Kashmir and was developed in the 16th century though the actual technique originates
prior to that time. | | | |
