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Desert Rain | Silk Scarf

Sale price$174.95 AUD

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout

Size: 67.5cm x 180cm


Presenting a traditional Aboriginal art design by one of Australia’s most highly acclaimed Warlpiri women artists, Bessie Nakamarra Sims, this beautifully handmade silk scarf exemplifies Mainie’s “Luxurious, Authentic, Unique” trademark.

  • 100% Silk Chiffon
  • Hand rolled hem
  • Digitally printed silk
  • 67.5cm wide by 180cm long
  • Presented with information about the original artwork and Aboriginal Artist
  • Royalties are paid to the artist's family

The Artwork Story

Ngapa Jukurrpa (Desert Rain Dreaming)

This Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming) comes from Wapurtali (Mt. Singleton) west of Yuendumu.

The custodians of this Jukurrpa are women and men of the Nakamarra/Napurrula and Jakamarra/Jupurrurla subsection.

A 'marlu' (kangaroo) was cooked at a place called Jalkirri. The smoke from the fire formed 'milpirri' (cumulonimbus clouds) and it began to rain. A giant storm formed and travelled from the south over Mikanji where it rained so hard it created a hole in the ground which became a soakage. At Mirrawarri a bird picked up the storm and carried it on its wings to the west until it became too heavy for it, and it had to drop it on the ground.

In Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, particular sites and other elements. Short dashes are often used to represent mungkurdu (cumulus and stratocumulus clouds), and longer, flowing lines represent 'ngawarra' (flooded waters). Small circles are used to depict 'mulju' (water soakages) and river beds.

Women's Scarf
Desert Rain | Silk Scarf Sale price$174.95 AUD

Artist details

Bessie Nakamarra Sims

" I like pain􀀁ng cause it's my Dreaming - Bush Carrot, Yam Dreaming…From my father and grandfather's side. I like to teach kids my Dreaming. I want everyone to know my Dreaming from all over the world. I know and they can know…"

Bessie Nakamarra Sims was born in the bush in the 1930s and lived for many years before coming into contact with white people at Mt. Doreen Station, west of Yuendumu.

She lived in Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community located 290 kms north-west of Alice Springs in the NT of Australia, where she died in 2012.

Bessie was the wife of Paddy Japaljarri Sims (dec), a renowned artist both nationally and internationally who painted with Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation for a long time, an Aboriginal owned and governed art centre located in Yuendumu.

Bessie did not live in her famous husband’s shadow, for her own work has long been widely admired and collected.

Bessie has seven children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bessie was one of the most valued members of the Warlukurlangu Artists Community. She painted consistently with Warlukurlangu Artists since the centre was first established in 1985 and has exhibited both nationally and internationally in Group Exhibitions since 1986.

Bessie painted her Jukurrpa stories, Dreamings which relate directly to her land, its features and the plants and animals that inhabit it. Besides painting Bessie was an active member of Yuendumu Night Patrol which helps keep Yuendumu a safe community. In her spare time, she used to loved hunting for wardapi (goanna) and bush tucker such as yarla (bush potato) and yakajirri (bush tomato).

Bessie passed away in Yuendumu May 2012 surrounded by her extended family. Some of her last words were: "Japaljarri"(her husband) is calling me, he is waiting for me."

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