Celebrating Heritage: Mainie’s Luxury Collection of Merino Wool Scarves
Mainie’s luxury fashion collection of pure Australian Merino wool scarves features authentic Aboriginal art designs by Warlpiri women artists from the remote Tanami Desert region of Central Australia. Each piece in the collection is a testament to the artists' enduring connection to their traditional homelands and unique cultural heritage, with every design depicting a Dreaming story that has been passed down from one generation to the next over tens of thousands of years.
Desert Journey Dreaming - Mina Mina Jukurrpa
Artist: Mary Napangardi Gallagher
Story: The Desert Journey design, based on an original painting by Mary, portrays an ancient Dreaming story of Warlpiri women gathering the sacred Ngalyipi vine. This vine, vital for ceremonial and medicinal purposes, reflects the deep knowledge of the land held by the Warlpiri people.
Connection: Mary was born at Napperby, near Papunya, and moved to Yuendumu with her family. Now residing in the very remote outstation community of Nyirripi, she continues to honour her heritage through her art with the world acclaimed Warlukurlangu arts centre. When not painting, Mary engages in traditional hunting, further maintaining her bond with her ancestral land.
Red Earth Dreaming - Yarla Jukurrpa
Artist: Alicka Napanangka Brown
Story: Alicka’s Red Earth design captures Cockatoo Creek, a significant site on the Warlpiri homelands where women dig for Yarla (bush potato) and Wapirti (bush carrot).
Connection: Born in Alice Springs and raised in Yuendumu, Alicka embodies the artistic legacy of her family. She spent her formative years absorbing the cultural stories and practices of her ancestors, which she now expresses through her vibrant paintings.
Red Bark Trees Dreaming - Ngapa Jukurrpa – Mikanji
Artist: Nicole Napaljarri Stevens
Story: This design illustrates Mikanji, a crucial watercourse that, after rains, provides vital soakages for the Warlpiri people. These subterranean wells are an essential source of fresh water during the dry season.
Connection: Nicole, who paints with the Warlukurlangu arts centre, creates artworks that are vivid representations of ancient Dreaming stories, preserving her cultural heritage through visual storytelling.
Desert Tracks Dreaming - Warna Jukurrpa
Artist: Valma Nakamarra White
Story: Valma’s design depicts Warna, the mythical serpent ancestor, whose tail formed the creeks and waterways of the Warlpiri homelands.
Connection: Growing up surrounded by her family's storytelling and painting traditions, Valma continues to share the cultural narratives through her art, maintaining a profound connection to her ancestors and traditional Warlpiri homelands.
Rock Pools Dreaming - Yumari Jukurrpa
Artist: Joy Nangala Brown
Story: The Rock Pools design recounts the ancient Pintupi story of forbidden love between a man and a woman from different clans, who met secretly at Yumari, a landmark rock formation in the the desert. The design’s circles symbolise the water pools in the rocks.
Connection: Joy, born in Alice Springs and raised in Yuendumu, now lives in Nyirrpi. She paints stories passed down from her parents and grandparents, staying deeply connected to her cultural roots and the land of her ancestors.
Night Ceremony Dreaming - Ngalyipi Jukurrpa – Yanjirlpiri
Artist: Geraldine Napangardi Granites
Story: Geraldine’s Night Ceremony design depicts Yanjirlpiri, a sacred site where Warlpiri women perform night ceremonies under the stars using the Ngalyipi vine.
Connection: Born and raised in Yuendumu, Geraldine’s art reflects her deep engagement with her ancestor’s traditions. She is renowned for her unique interpretations of Warlpiri culture, passed down through generations.
Founder’s Note:
"I am proud of what we do at Mainie to bring to life traditional Aboriginal designs by Warlpiri women artists on the finest Australian Merino wool and create a truly unique Australian fashion story." - Charmaine Saunders, Mainie Founder
Mainie’s Commitment to Cultural Preservation:
- Artisanship: Each scarf is beautifully handcrafted from Woolmark-certified fine Australian Merino wool, offering super-lightweight and sensuously soft elegance.
- Cultural Tribute: The collection is a meaningful homage to the world’s oldest continuous living culture, celebrating the stories and traditions of the Aboriginal people from Australia’s desert heartlands.
- Social Responsibility: Mainie supports Aboriginal women artists from isolated and disadvantaged communities, providing them with opportunities to earn an independent living from their own work and preserve their cultural heritage for future generations.
- Ethical Practices: All designs in the Mainie wool collection are ethically acquired under license from the Warlukurlangu art centre, with royalties benefiting the artists and their families.
Proudly Australian Owned:
Mainie is a Supply Nation verified Indigenous owned business and an Indigenous Art Code approved dealer member.
Explore More: For more information about the Mainie Woolmark pure Australian Merino Wool collection, please visit Mainie’s website.
