Art is one of the finest expressions of the human spirit and handicrafts a deep felt expression of culture. Better World Arts brings these exalted expressions of humanity together, uniting the oldest living culture on earth with the finest handmade traditions of the silk road and beyond.

In 1600, Morad, the son of the renown Mugul Emperor Shah Jahan, established the city of Moradabad on the banks of the Ram Ganga, a tributary of the mighty Ganges. This was at the height of the Mughal Empire in India, the same era in which the Taj Mahal was built.

Moradabad became famous for fine hand crafted brassware. Innovative artisans have developed their skills, learning contempory techniques, working with other metals, wood, resins and enamels and the application of digital processes into the regional crafts.

Bowl Boat Shape

Size: 35 x 25.5 x 7.5cm

Artist: Liddy Napanangka Walker

Story:

The main motif of this painting depicts the ‘wakirlpirri’ (dogwood [Acacia coriacea]) tree. ‘Wakirlpirri’ is a very useful tree that grows on the sides of creek beds and near ‘mulga’ trees. The seeds of this tree can be eaten raw or cooked on the fire. A deliciously sweet drink called ‘yinjirrpi’ is made from the seeds when they have been dried. The wood can be used to make weapons such as ‘karli’ (boomerangs) and dancing boards for ceremonies. It is also good wood for burning on the fire because rain cannot extinguish burning Wakirlpirri wood. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, particular sites and other elements. This Jukurrpa travels from Jarrarda-Jarrayi through to Puturlu (Mount Theo) west of Yuendumu. This Jukurrpa belongs to Japanangka/Japangardi men and to Napanangka/Napangardi women.

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