Ernabella rugs

The three vibrant rugs are exhibited on Level 1 of the Spence Wing. Designed by Pantjiti McKenzie from Ernabella Arts Inc of the Pukatja Community. The rugs are an important part of the library's showcase of art and library treasures representing South Australia's social and cultural heritage.

The State Library has a longstanding relationship with Ernabella Arts Inc, working together to preserve their community's heritage. The women of the Pukatja Community have entrusted the library with a collection of crayon drawings created by school children attending the Ernabella mission school during the 1940s and 1950s. Anapalayaku walka, which has become the distinctive Ernabella style, reaches back to those early drawing classes in the mission school.

The State Library rug design commission, generously supported by the Myer Foundation, Perpetual Trustees, the State Library of South Australia Foundation, the Hon Diana Laidlaw and Ms Bronwyn Halliday, provided mentoring, training and promotional opportunities for the Ernabella artists.