Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM: Wangunu and Arnguli

Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM: Wangunu and Arnguli Tea Towel

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION: 

Nyuyuntja – stoking of the fire, keeping the fire alive, celebrates the life and work of Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM (1947 – 2025). As a senior Anangu elder, and ‘deep culture woman’, Mrs Tapaya was one of the most accomplished artists associated with Australia’s longest running and highly acclaimed Aboriginal Art Centre, Ernabella Arts.

This exhibition showcases a selection of artworks made in the final years of Mrs Tapaya’s life, which highlight her confidence as a creator and storyteller, alongside the purpose and passion inherent to her practice. Nyuyuntja features works across ceramics, batik, painting and tjanpi weaving. Central to the exhibition is a significant new artwork honouring the Kunkarungkalpa Tjukurpa (Seven Sisters creation story). Combining Tjanpi weaving with ceramics, it has been finalised after Mrs Tapaya’s passing by her collaborators at Ernabella Arts and Tjanpi Desert Weavers.

Tjunkaya Tapaya: Nyuyuntja – stoking of the fire, keeping the fire alive is JamFactory’s ICON exhibition for 2026. Through Nyuyuntja, we honour Mrs Tapaya’s great contribution to Aṉangu culture and her incredible legacy — one that keeps the fire burning for Aṉangu — and generously shares it with audiences.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

Dimensions: 50 x 70cm
Materials: Organic cotton
Care Instructions: Gentle hand wash in warm water with mild soap; air dry and iron on silk setting

Due to the handmade nature of the products dimensions may vary on individual pieces.

Purchases from our shops directly support individual artists as well as our unique exhibition and training programs.

Handmade in Australia.