Lappi Lappi Dreaming Hoop Earrings

The Lappi Lappi Dreaming jewelry artwork is by Mary Anne Nampijinpa Michaels whose skin name is Nampijinpa. Lappi Lappi is a rock hole near Lake Hazlett, about 90 km northwest of Lake Mackay in Western Australia. The country belongs to Nampijinpa/Jampijinpa and Nangala/Jangala skin groups. The rockhole is a permanent source of water, and is surrounded by country rich in bush tucker (native flora and fauna.) During Jukurrpa (Dreamtime), many mothers with young children would gather there because it was a safe place to stay.

The rock hole at Lappi Lappi is home to a 'warnayarra', a rainbow serpent that travels underground between various rock holes. One day, women were gathered at the rock hole with their children, singing and dancing. When the 'warnayarra' heard the sound of voices, it travelled silently towards them, under the water. When it reached the edge of the rock hole, it rose out of the water and ate them all.

The Lappi Lappi Dreaming jewelry is part of the Warlukurlangu Collection which supports the Aussie Desert Dogs program.

Created by designer Lisa Engeman, Occulture is a collaboration with Australian indigenous artisans transferring ancient stories and knowledge into contemporary statement jewelry that celebrates and strengthens the songline of culture, knowledge, artists and community. The photoanodized aluminum jewelry with sterling silver fittings is handcrafted in Australia using cutting edge technology.

Occulture is deeply honored to represent the artists they work with, the Warlukurlangu people of the Yuendumu region of the central Australian desert, Gamilaraay woman, Arkeria Rose Armstrong, and a lineage of well-known and respected artists from Utopia and Yuelumu country, including Raymond Walters Japanangka.

The jewelry designs reproduce highlights from artists' paintings. Made by hand, each piece possesses unique, intrinsic beauty with variations in shape, size, and metal finish. The jewelry translates ancient artwork into a contemporary context by utilizing cutting-edge technology to create Occulture's sculptural designs.

Occulture is a preferred supplier for the Museum Shops Australia and New Zealand and a member of the Indigenous Art Code which promotes and regulates the fair and ethical trade in works of art by Indigenous artists. All artwork featured in their jewelry is licensed and royalties are paid directly to the individual artist. Occulture also proudly holds an Australian Made license.

Each piece of Occulture jewelry is gift boxed, with a card describing the artist and the artwork.

Mary Anne lived in the Nyirripi region, Northern Territory and belonged to the Warlukurlangu Artists centre. Her language was Warlpiri. She was born 1935 in Lappi Lappi, about 90km northwest of Lake Mackay in Western Australia, where she died in 2012. Her legacy continues with all royalties from this licensed Occulture jewelry being paid directly to the Warlukurlangu artists' association. The funds are used for materials for the artists and projects in Yuendumu to benefit the community.