HERMANNSBURG POTTERS
est. 1990 - present
Ntaria (Hermannsburg) is a former Lutheran mission about 130km west of Alice Springs in Western Arrernte country. It is now the home of the Hermannsburg Potters. The Arrernte people from this area are famous for their watercolours of the desert interior of Australia, in the tradition of Albert Namatjira.
When the Arrernte community assumed responsibility for the community in 1982, Aboriginal Pastor Nahasson Ungwanaka sought avenues to develop and promote the welfare of his people. Many Arrernte had experience modelling clay figures through their schooling and Ungwanaka lodged a request for instruction in ceramics. This resulted in the appointment of a ceramics teacher and the establishment of a pottery studio. After nearly two decades of operation, a core group of dedicated women artists have developed a unique style combining Native American–style coil-built pots, clay figures and Arrernte landscapes.
The Potters have retained strong links to the watercolour landscape painting movement that many of the women remember seeing in their childhood, which continues as an influence and source of pride in the community, as Judith Inkamala explains:
We like to watch them old pictures. Copy them a bit. Still keep it, remembering. All our young people should learn the watercolour. We saw Albert and the others. We know it and carry it in our work. We the same family.
These ceramics and paintings constantly reinvent the tradition born at Ntaria six decades ago while further strengthening their connection to country.
Bruce Johnson McLean
Creator details
- Principal country
- Organisation
-
HERMANNSBURG POTTERS
- Date of birth
-
est. 1990
![Judith Pungkarta Inkamala/Copyright Agency Artwork Albert Namatjira this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2017-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2020.437a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=zlJj_OEb)
Albert Namatjira 2017
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- INKAMALA, Judith Pungkarta - Potter
![Judith Pungkarta Inkamala/Copyright Agency Artwork Artist house this artwork made of Terracotta with underglazes, created in 2014-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2016.162a-b_001_0.jpg?itok=mpJ4fvu8)
Artist house 2014
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- INKAMALA, Judith Pungkarta - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Kupaarta urnma (bush plums, ripe) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.005a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=GvZOutyS)
Kupaarta urnma (bush plums, ripe) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Tjaapa tnyamaatja (witchetty grubs) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.006a-b_001_5.jpg?itok=BfdBwY_N)
Tjaapa tnyamaatja (witchetty grubs) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Taltjakurla (mulga apple) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.007a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=AK4aEcSk)
Taltjakurla (mulga apple) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Pmurlpa (quondong) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.008a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=uZj6RB_L)
Pmurlpa (quondong) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Paraltja lerop (red river gum leaf) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.009a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=3lVsGSdQ)
Paraltja lerop (red river gum leaf) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Langkwa (bush banana) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.010a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=VnNZbDd2)
Langkwa (bush banana) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Ngaraaka (bush bean) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.012a-b_001_5.jpg?itok=Nnv5AFQC)
Ngaraaka (bush bean) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Urrarlpa (native tomato in hilly habitats) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.013a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=p-VELnvA)
Urrarlpa (native tomato in hilly habitats) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Arrkarma (bloodwood apple) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.014a-b_001_0.jpg?itok=1uJ8u8oe)
Arrkarma (bloodwood apple) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Latjia (pencil yam) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.015a-b_001_5.jpg?itok=9znrdXUt)
Latjia (pencil yam) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Yalka (wild onion) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.016a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=a_qLH6hT)
Yalka (wild onion) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Mpaltjarta (wild orange) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.017a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=7r46uwP3)
Mpaltjarta (wild orange) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Lupa (wattle seed) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.018a-b_001_5.jpg?itok=oVtNJ5-o)
Lupa (wattle seed) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Tjurka (bush fig) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.019a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=VlHbDeXn)
Tjurka (bush fig) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Katjirra (bush tomato, over-ripe) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.020a-b_001_0.jpg?itok=3pdVYTU8)
Katjirra (bush tomato, over-ripe) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Tjankana (mistletoe berry) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.002a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=3h1Y69WB)
Tjankana (mistletoe berry) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Yirrampa (honey ant) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.001a-b_001_1.jpg?itok=oYiPvs4E)
Yirrampa (honey ant) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Kupaarta arnka ngrra (bush plums, ripening) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.003a-b_001_5.jpg?itok=wbVS-C8i)
Kupaarta arnka ngrra (bush plums, ripening) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Rraatninga (wild passionfruit) (from 'Bush tucker' series) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2009-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2010.250.004a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=wQZLMWnr)
Rraatninga (wild passionfruit) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Clara Inkamala/Copyright Agency Artwork Ntaria Garage this artwork made of Hand-built terracotta clay with incised white slip beneath clear glaze, created in 2007-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2007.289_001_4.jpg?itok=J-rZ5swG)
Ntaria Garage 2007
- INKAMALA, Clara - Potter
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
![Lindy Rontji/Copyright Agency Artwork Sand dunes at Papunya this artwork made of Hand-built terracotta clay with incised white slip beneath clear glaze, created in 2007-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2007.290_001_4.jpg?itok=PCFpQKZO)
Sand dunes at Papunya 2007
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RONTJI, Lindy - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja/Copyright Agency Artwork Koprillia Day at Hermannsburg this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2007-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2007.288a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=WB3Z3yNG)
Koprillia Day at Hermannsburg 2007
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![Irene Mbitjana Entata/Copyright Agency Artwork Rubbing salts this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2006-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2007.027a-b_001_0.jpg?itok=sR--fvtg)
Rubbing salts 2006
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter
![Irene Mbitjana Entata/Copyright Agency Artwork Journey to Horseshoe Bend this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2006-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2018.131a-b_001.jpg?itok=4mCExgEH)
Journey to Horseshoe Bend 2006
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter
![Judith Pungkarta Inkamala/Copyright Agency Artwork Pink galahs at Imarlkna this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2006-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2018.130a-b_001_0.jpg?itok=MM-Qs-7T)
Pink galahs at Imarlkna 2006
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- INKAMALA, Judith Pungkarta - Potter
![© Irene Mbitjana Entata Artwork Pot: Mission days this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2005-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2006.028a-b_004.jpg?itok=zQ8VG4cZ)
Pot: Mission days 2005
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter
![Rahel Ungwanaka Artwork Ankarta (Frill-necked lizard) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2005-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2006.032a-b_001_3.jpg?itok=Sfw9qV4w)
Ankarta (Frill-necked lizard) 2005
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- UNGWANAKA, Rahel - Potter
![Rahel Ungwanaka/Copyright Agency Artwork Owl this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2005-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2007.250a-b_001_5.jpg?itok=oKdv3kJH)
Owl 2005
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- UNGWANAKA, Rahel - Potter
![© Irene Mbitjana Entata Artwork Pot: Footy (Lions vs Bombers) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2004-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2004.144a-b_023.jpg?itok=QsY1bKRI)
Pot: Footy (Lions vs Bombers) 2004
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter
![The artist Artwork Pot: Enalaunga (Echidna) family this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2004-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2004.145a-b_021_3.jpg?itok=f9zMu16Y)
Pot: Enalaunga (Echidna) family 2004
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- INKAMALA, Judith Pungkarta - Potter
![© Rahel Ungwanaka Artwork Pot: Kookaburras this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2004-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2004.146a-b_001.jpg?itok=0lBWvJBu)
Pot: Kookaburras 2004
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- UNGWANAKA, Rahel - Potter
![Irene Mbitjana Entata Artwork Pot: (Ant on climbing plant) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2002-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2003.074a-b_001_0.jpg?itok=n8Aei3uR)
Pot: (Ant on climbing plant) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter
![© Clara Inkamala Artwork Pot: Ilia (Emu) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2002-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2003.019a-b_001_3.jpg?itok=hYC66ZSO)
Pot: Ilia (Emu) 2002
- INKAMALA, Clara - Potter
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
![Esther Kennedy Artwork Pot: (Bush orange) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2002-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2003.072a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=6PGFoBS8)
Pot: (Bush orange) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- KENNEDY, Esther - Potter
![Rona Rubuntja Artwork Pot: Kuparda (Bush plum) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2002-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2003.073a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=cW8r-wK8)
Pot: Kuparda (Bush plum) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter
![© Rahel Ungwanaka Artwork Pot: Tompa (Perentie) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours, created in 2002-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2002.128a-b_007.jpg?itok=EoIpNS44)
Pot: Tompa (Perentie) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- UNGWANAKA, Rahel - Potter
![Lindy Rontji Artwork Pot: (Butterfly) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2002-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2003.071a-b_001_4.jpg?itok=w7FzcFjF)
Pot: (Butterfly) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RONTJI, Lindy - Potter
![© Irene Mbitjana Entata Artwork Pot: Reelpa (Drovers) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours, created in 2002-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2002.121a-b_015.jpg?itok=JAy-2SL4)
Pot: Reelpa (Drovers) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter
![© Judith Pungkarta Inkamala Artwork Pot: Eeritja (Eagle) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours, created in 2001-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2003.020_006.jpg?itok=YDuAaVSK)
Pot: Eeritja (Eagle) 2001
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- INKAMALA, Judith Pungkarta - Potter
![Irene Mbitjana Entata/Copyright Agency Artwork Rex and Albert painting in Palm Valley this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, leather, created in 2001-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2019.184a-b_001.jpg?itok=RBMbM6K5)
Rex and Albert painting in Palm Valley 2001
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter
![Irene Mbitjana Entata/Copyright Agency Artwork The events leading to Albert's death this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 2001-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2019.185a-b_001_0.jpg?itok=sH3jU9_c)
The events leading to Albert's death 2001
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter
![Irene Mbitjana Entata/Copyright Agency Artwork Albert Namatjira droving this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, leather, created in 2001-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2019.183a-b_001_0.jpg?itok=hMjJEBRT)
Albert Namatjira droving 2001
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter
![Irene Mbitjana Entata Artwork Pot: Cows this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours, created in 2000-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2002.122a-b_001.jpg?itok=3Pykd63Q)
Pot: Cows 2000
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter
![© Carol Rontji Artwork Pot: Eerarnta (Black cockatoo) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours, created in 2000-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2002.127_007.jpg?itok=hVxB5iCt)
Pot: Eerarnta (Black cockatoo) 2000
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RONTJI, Carol - Potter
![© Noreen Ngala Hudson Artwork Pot: Eeritja (Eagles) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 1997-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2005.014a-b_001.jpg?itok=4tPV8Bx8)
Pot: Eeritja (Eagles) 1997
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- HUDSON, Noreen Ngala - Potter
![© Carol Rontji Artwork Tompa (Perentie) this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 1997-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2005.021a-b_003.jpg?itok=HPCcJXF0)
Tompa (Perentie) 1997
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RONTJI, Carol - Potter
![© Noreen Ngala Hudson Artwork Pot: Lorikeets this artwork made of Earthenware, hand-built terracotta clay with underglaze colours and applied decoration, created in 1996-01-01](/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2005.015a-b_014.jpg?itok=aJ6JnirG)
Pot: Lorikeets 1996
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- HUDSON, Noreen Ngala - Potter
External resources
View related library resources