Torres Strait Islander Artist Puzzle

Piece together a scene featuring a Torres Strait Islander artist with this 12-piece wooden jigsaw puzzle. As children turn the pieces, match details and work out where each piece fits, they practise fine motor skills, hand–eye coordination and problem-solving. The completed picture gives educators a starting point for conversations about artists, creativity and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Handcrafted in Sydney from sustainably sourced Australian timber, the puzzle comes with its own wooden storage tray. Suitable for children aged 3 and up, it works well as an independent table activity or as a shared puzzle in early learning centres, kindergartens and junior primary classrooms.

Why Educators Love It

• Encourages close observation as children look for colours, shapes and details that connect neighbouring pieces.

• Supports patience and persistence as children turn a piece, try a different spot or ask a friend for help.

• Brings Torres Strait Islander representation into everyday play and gives children a reason to talk about the person in the picture.

• Keeps the pieces together in a wooden tray for easy pack-up and storage.

How to Use It

• Invite children to work in pairs and take turns explaining the clues they used to find a match.

• Look at the completed image together. Ask children what they notice about the artist and what questions they would like to ask them.

• Pair the puzzle with a book or video by a Torres Strait Islander artist so children can hear an artist describe their work in their own words.

EYLF Outcomes Supported

• Outcome 1 – Children have a strong sense of identity. Invite children to share the kinds of art they enjoy making and what inspires their own creations.

• Outcome 3 – Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. Practise pausing, trying another approach and asking for support when a piece is tricky to place.

• Outcome 5 – Children are effective communicators. Describe what they see, ask questions and explain how they worked out where a piece belonged.

Product Details

• Includes one 12-piece wooden jigsaw puzzle with a wooden storage tray

• Material sustainably sourced Australian timber

• Made in Australia and handcrafted in Sydney

• Dimensions 34 × 24 × 1 cm

• Weight 0.6 kg

• Recommended age 3 years and up