Tangki - Donkey (Lifetime Access)

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Since 1995 Tjanpi Desert Weavers has become an important social enterprise in the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council (NPYWC). Involving over 400 Anangu women, Tjanpi offers culturally appropriate opportunities for employment and cultural expression. Tjanpi artists use the desert grasses of their Country to produce sculptures (both large and small) for sale and exhibition in some of Australia’s leading art galleries.

Recently, Tjanpi produced some beautiful short stop-motion animated films. Each film features the distinctive Tjanpi sculptures portraying a story narrated by Anangu women. The style and colours of these films evocatively reflect the environment and colours of the NPY Lands.

The light-hearted stories told by the women convey important details of Anangu culture and history. For younger students, these short animated films are an accessible and engaging way to learn more about the distinctive and fascinating Aboriginal histories and cultures of the Western Desert region.

Tangki – Donkey combines the art forms of Tjanpi desert-grass sculpture, stop-motion animation and oral storytelling to depict the special relationship between Anangu and donkeys in the desert community of Pukatja. The film celebrates the unique stories, colours, landscape and humour of Anangu culture in the APY Lands of northern South Australia.

Running time: 6 mins

ATOM has produced a study guide covering the short films Tangki – Donkey and Kukaputju – The Hunter. This study guide is available for download here.

More information about the Tjanpi Desert Weavers can be found here.