22174009028

Published by CompNet Systems on November 6, 2025

Status: Stock

Make it Real Tea Towel by Peggy Griffiths

Jilynbeng and Jardang

Peggy Griffiths has depicted jilynbeng (bush cucumber) intertwined with the jardang (spinifex grass) of her Country. These both come out in the wet season. When it rains, the spinifex grass has a strong eucalyptus smell. Spinifex grasses were used by women as a form of bush medicine, particularly contraception, and burned to keep mosquitos away.

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Make it Real

Make it Real is a project delivered through the Aboriginal Art Centre Hub of Western Australia (AACHWA). As a not-for-profit Aboriginal organisation, our profit story ensures the artist receives the economic benefits of their shared generational stories and culture. When an artist thrives, their community also benefits.

The profits generated from this product give 90% back to the artist and 10% back to their art centre.

*The way profits are distributed can vary, and we ask consumers to be mindful of this when buying Authentic Indigenous Art or products.

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Categories: WARINGARRI ABORIGINAL ARTS

Name: Peggy Madij Griffiths

Language: Miriwoong

Community: Jalin Community

Biography:

Peggy Griffiths arts practice reflects a strong commitment to her Miriwoong culture. Her works document the traditional country of her mother and grandfather and her recent works capture the movement of wind and light across the spinifex country which for the artist is evidence that the spirit of culture is alive.

Her elegant imagery resonates with references to cultural performance of which she is a renowned dancer. The winding of waterways are the sinuous and graceful body movements of a dancer; the outlining dotting reflects a performer's body painting.

Born on Newry Station to Dinah Dingle and Frank Moore, Peggy lived and learned about her family and bush life. "I grew up on Newry Station and learnt my culture from the old people. I saw my old people being taken away from the camp with chains around their necks and I was hidden once when Welfare came so that they would not take me away. I learned to dance all the traditional dances and I have taught all my children and grandchildren these dances. I went to school at the Kimberley Research School and later at Beagle Bay Mission before I got married at 16 to my promised husband [Mr A. Griffiths.] We have been together ever since." Peggy began working with Waringarri Aboriginal Arts in 1985, carving and painting boab nuts and boomerangs. She progressed to painting on canvas and working with limited edition prints. She is the first Indigenous artist to win the prestigious Fremantle Print Award. Committed to keeping the stories of her grandfather, Charlie Mailman, alive and maintaining her connection to culture Peggy often painted along side her husband Mr A Griffiths, also a high respected elder and artist. They were key performers and teachers of traditional dance for their community. They have travelled widely, performing at arts festivals and events. Peggy is a highly respected senior artist at Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, teaching other artists as well as contributing to leadership of Waringarri Aboriginal Arts in a Director role. Peggy has 5 children, 27 grandchildren and a growing number of great grandchildren.

"What is important to me is to carry on my grandfather and my mother's stories. It is important to show my younger generation what I have learned about our stories and our culture. When I paint my mind has an idea and I do that to show people how I see things."

© the artist / art centre