Emma Stenhouse Parayi and Yali Doll Set 35 cm

The Emma Stenhouse Parayi and Yali Doll set are the perfect resource for infants and toddlers to help explore culture and embed Aboriginal perspectives into early childhood environments.

Each doll is hand made from start to finish including cutting individual strands of hair and sewing tiny pairs of undergarments. Female Doll: Parayi - meaning honey - Honeysuckle from a Banksia. Parayi loves to forage for native plants and flowers. Male Doll: Yali - meaning small, young Kangaroo. Yali likes to keep an eye out for bush animals.

Finding My Way Artwork

Across this desert land, I'm connected to this country in a way I don't yet fully understand. Growing up not knowing my way, now guided by family and friends. This ground I gently walk on, following footsteps of those long gone, I leave my own for the next generation to follow. These are my connections, out in the bush; the river, the red dirt and my own little family. My way is becoming clearer and my connection grows stronger, there is so much beauty in the desert, its hot winds help me find my way.

I acknowledge the Gunditjmara people, the Traditional Owners of the land where I work & live. I pay my respects to Elders past and present. I celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

Artist Story

Emma Stenhouse is a proud Ngarrindjeri woman and a contemporary indigenous artist on a journey of self-discovery, deepening her connection with her family, exploring her heritage, and inspired by her love of Country. Emma encapsulates her knowledge in her story works formed by her deep relationship to land and guided by strong female role models in her community.

Growing up in Broken Hill, Outback New South Wales, Emma intrinsically draws on her connection to the arid lands of the bush. This is often evident in her use of colours inspired by the red dirt, and the simple concepts of nurturing nature and to continue its growth and sustainability. She now resides by the beach and explores the shades of green & blue reflected in the region. The lush green fields, hills and the blues of the many waterways and the Southern Ocean.

Emma is an Educator and is passionate about sharing her experience and culture through her art practice within her classrooms and in workshops. As a multifaceted creative, she explores diverse art practices influenced by her journey. Each art piece is braided with learning, an enriching exchange between artist and viewer, a continuation of culture platform for cross cultural exchange.

Dolls measure 35cm. Made from 100% cotton. Ages 3yrs+.