Mary Napangardi Gallagher


Mary Napangardi Gallagher was born in Napperby, a remote place 120 kilometres from the community of Papunya in Central Australia. When she was a young adult, Mary moved with her family to Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community located 290 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs. She met and married her husband in Yuendumu and later moved to Nyirripi, an isolated outstation 160 km north-west of Yuendumu to bring up her five children Ben, Duncan, Richard, Eldy and Rea, and several grandchildren.
Mary and her grown-up children still live in Nyirripi. Mary has been painting with the world-acclaimed Warlukurlangu Art Centre since 2006. The art centre staff regularly visit Nyirripi to collect finished work and drop off canvas, paint and brushes for the artists.
Mary paints her father’s Jukurrpa (Dreamings) which relate to Pikilyi Jukurrpa (Vaughan Springs) a
large and important waterhole; and Janmarda Jukurrpa (Bush Onion Dreaming). Mary also paints the Mina Mina Jukurrpa which depicts a sacred place on her ancestral homelands. These ancient Dreaming stories have been handed down from one generation to the next over thousands of years.
When Mary is not painting she likes to go hunting with her family for goanna and bush tucker.
Customer Reviews

Mainie is a brand I proudly wear for so many reasons. I love that each scarf has a story and that I know with each piece funds go back to the woman that designed it. I adore the vibrancy of the colours and the high quality, I have had my scarves for many years now and they are so versatile from wearing them to do presentations or going out for lunch. I stand for empowering women and standing proud in your individuality and Mainie embodies this in every way.
Lesley Clarke

Our Mainie scarves have become an essential wardrobe component both at home and when travelling. They serve to elevate any outfit whilst also celebrating Australian First Nations culture with dignity and sophistication. The silk product is beautiful to wear and the merino wool is unbelievable soft and so warm. Lightweight, easy to pack and always commented on.
Tanya, Emily and Elizabeth

I love the Mainie Scarves, for myself and as the perfect gift. They are investment pieces that will be part of your wardrobe for life. I love travel and one or two scarves are always included in my luggage. They are perfect on the plane and for dressing up outfits. I take a Merino scarf for cooler climates and silk ones everywhere else. However, the very best part is the ethical basis of the brand. I know I support a woman artist from a First Nations community when I purchase something from Mainie. They look good and do good at the same time.
Jo Pyne
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Founded by Gunggari Aboriginal woman Charmaine Saunders in 2012, Mainie is a Supply Nation certified Indigenous Australian-owned company and an Indigenous Art Code approved dealer member. We recognise the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We respect the resilience, strength and pride of Australia’s First Nations people and their communities. Mainie is committed to supporting Aboriginal women artists to earn an independent income from their own work and to keep alive their traditional cultural heritage for future generations.