Rama Sampson – Rainbow Serpent II – Kilim (L)

Composition: Hand dyed wool and cotton
Size: 122 x 183 cm (48 x 72 inches)

Features:

• Hand embroidered/chain-stitched
• All natural fibres – embroidered wool on cotton canvas
• Fair Trade certified
• Limited edition – individually numbered
• Certificate of Authenticity supplied with each kilim
• Royalties paid to the artist/family on every sale
• Hard wearing
• Back has non-slip surface
• Each kilim has flap on the rear for ease of hanging with dowel/rod
• Matching cushion covers are also available

Chain-stitched kilims are a traditional rug/soft furnishings making technique from Kashmir. As people sat on the floor they were both homewares and decoration. As many artworks are painted on the ground or 3D surfaces/bodies most of the images do not have a set orientation so can also be hung portrait or landscape if preferred.

Artist: Rama Kaltu-Kaltu Sampson was born c. 1936 in Mt. Davis, Pipalyatjara, in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. He passed away in 2020. He was an accomplished painter and traditional ngangkari – doctor and spiritual healer. Rama painted at Ernabella for three years before coming to Adelaide. His strong knowledge of tjukurpa (dreaming) has earned him much respect and his work has been exhibited extensively across Australia. As an Anangu elder, Rama has a great wealth of traditional knowledge and skills. Rama’s country is Kuntjanu, and he is custodian of the Wanampi Tjukurpa – the Rainbow Serpent Dreaming. Rama passed away in October 2020, his family will now receive the royalties from rug sales.
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About the design: Wanampi Tjukurpa (Rainbow Serpent Creation Story at Kuntjanu)
Kuntjanu is near Pipalyatjara in the far north west corner of the APY Lands. It is here, in Kuntjanu, that the Wanampi lives. Wanampi is the big rainbow serpent who sleeps under the ground in the tjukula (rockhole). This painting depicts the rockhole where Kuntjanu, an old tjilpi (old man) serpent hides under water. Rama’s painting illustrates people sitting at an inma (ceremony) out Pipalyatjara way. There are wati tjuta, munu minma, munu tjiti tjuta, walytja tjuta (many men, women, children and families) sitting, singing and talking – each circle represents a person. This is taking place in Rama’s country, Kuntjanu, and all the people are looking to see what is going to take place.Rama has a deep understanding of important traditional Kuntjanu tjukurrpa stories, his homeland. His paintings illustrate the many aspects of the Wanampi Tjukurpa – Rainbow Serpent Dreaming.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
Do not put place/use in direct sunlight or colors may fade. To clean – careful hand-wash in warm water using a wool detergent. Can be ironed on a wool setting.

About the Better World Arts chainstitch kilim products
These beautiful, unique textiles are a cross-cultural collaboration combining Aboriginal designs and traditional Kashmiri rug-making techniques. Chain stitched, using hand dyed wool, each is a completely handmade piece. A more empowering way to work, this brings many direct benefits to the artists’ and their community. Control and ownership of intellectual property are also maintained. Purchase of these products guarantees a direct return to the Aboriginal artist and their community.