Login

Country

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: Mainie: The world's oldest art brought to life on luxurious pure silk

PrevNext
ethical, Australian Aboriginal art design, traditional Warlpiri artists, silk scarf, sustainable fashion, empowering Indigenous women, preserving culture
aboriginal art

Mainie: The world's oldest art brought to life on luxurious pure silk

The Mainie silk scarf collection features authentic Aboriginal art designs 

Each exquisite wearable art piece in the Mainie silk scarf collection is a unique melding of two ancient artisan cultures - Australia's 60,000-year-old Aboriginal arts heritage and the time-honoured silk making techniques that originated in the fabulous Imperial cities of the Silk Road nearly 5,000 years ago.

ethical, Australian Aboriginal art design, traditional Warlpiri artists, silk scarf, sustainable fashion, empowering Indigenous women, preserving culture

"Desert Rain Dreaming" silk scarf features an authentic Aboriginal art design by highly esteemed Warlpiri artist, Bessie Nakamarra Sims.

Silk has long been treasured by lovers of fine things for its rich and luxurious qualities.

Sensuously soft and beautifully finished with hand rolled hems, Mainie's silk scarves exemplify timeless elegance and effortless fashion styling. Each piece is destined to become a beloved heirloom that will be cherished forever.

ethical, Australian Aboriginal art design, traditional Warlpiri artists, silk scarf, sustainable fashion, empowering Indigenous women, preserving culture

From left: Desert Country Dreaming, Desert Rain Dreaming, Medicine Tree Dreaming, Storm Cloud Dreaming

Every Mainie silk scarf brings to life a stunning hand painted artwork design by a traditional Warlpiri woman artist from the remote Tanami Desert region of Central Australia.

The original paintings behind the designs were all ethically purchased and licensed through the world acclaimed Warlukurlangu arts centre.

Aboriginal owned and controlled, Warlukurlangu is located on the ancestral homelands of the Warlpiri Aboriginal people. It has long been an important stronghold for the preservation of the traditional Warlpiri culture and language.

Under the terms of the art licensing agreements with the Warlukurlangu artists, the Aboriginal artists retain the copyright to their original designs and receive royalty payments from Mainie.

ethical, Australian Aboriginal art design, traditional Warlpiri artists, silk scarf, sustainable fashion, empowering Indigenous women, preserving cultureArtists clockwise: Bessie Nakamarra Sims, Rosina Napurrurla White, Christine Nakamarra Curtis, Geraldine Napangardi Granites.

Every Mainie scarf gives back to the Aboriginal woman artist who created the original design, to elevate and empower her, her family and her community.

Proudly Australian owned and operated, Mainie is a Supply Nation verified Indigenous owned business and an Indigenous Art Code approved dealer member.

More information about our Mainie Silk Scarf Collection and the Warlpiri Aboriginal women artists is available at: https://www.mainie.com.au/collections/silk-scarves

ethical aboriginal art, indigenous owned business, empowering aboriginal women

Written by Charmaine Saunders

Read more

aboriginal art ethical australian luxury fashion merino wool scarf indigenous women artists
aboriginal art australia merino wool woolmark luxury wool scarf fashion

The Dreamtime Stories Behind Our Aboriginal Designs

  Mainie’s luxury fashion collection of pure Australian Merino wool scarves features authentic Aboriginal art designs by Warlpiri women artists from Central Australia. Every design in the collectio...

Read more
Simply Tops
aboriginal art

Simply Tops

Mainie Silk Kaftan Tops: Water Bird, Desert Journey, Women’s Journey,  Journey of a Woman’s Strength Loved by stylish women around the world, our gorgeous Mainie kaftan tops are a fabulous fusion o...

Read more

Customer Reviews

Mainie is a brand I proudly wear for so many reasons. I love that each scarf has a story and that I know with each piece funds go back to the woman that designed it. I adore the vibrancy of the colours and the high quality, I have had my scarves for many years now and they are so versatile from wearing them to do presentations or going out for lunch. I stand for empowering women and standing proud in your individuality and Mainie embodies this in every way.

Lesley Clarke

Our Mainie scarves have become an essential wardrobe component both at home and when travelling. They serve to elevate any outfit whilst also celebrating Australian First Nations culture with dignity and sophistication. The silk product is beautiful to wear and the merino wool is unbelievable soft and so warm. Lightweight, easy to pack and always commented on.

Tanya, Emily and Elizabeth

I love the Mainie Scarves, for myself and as the perfect gift. They are investment pieces that will be part of your wardrobe for life. I love travel and one or two scarves are always included in my luggage. They are perfect on the plane and for dressing up outfits. I take a Merino scarf for cooler climates and silk ones everywhere else. However, the very best part is the ethical basis of the brand. I know I support a woman artist from a First Nations community when I purchase something from Mainie. They look good and do good at the same time.

Jo Pyne

Free Standard Shipping

On all Australian orders over $150

EASY RETURNS

Within 30 days of purchase date

BUY NOW, PAY LATER

4 easy payments using AfterPay

OUR PLEDGE

Preserving our natural environment for a healthier planet

Founded by Gunggari Aboriginal woman Charmaine Saunders in 2012, Mainie is a Supply Nation certified Indigenous Australian-owned company and an Indigenous Art Code approved dealer member. We recognise the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We respect the resilience, strength and pride of Australia’s First Nations people and their communities. Mainie is committed to supporting Aboriginal women artists to earn an independent income from their own work and to keep alive their traditional cultural heritage for future generations.