Tierkunde is a small collection of needle-felted animals by Hanahlie Beise. Growing up on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Canada, Hanahlie developed an early and lasting affinity with animals and the natural world around her. Each Tierkunde animal is meticulously needle-felted from local, directly sourced wool from the Navajo Churro sheep that has been washed and processed at artisan facilities.  As part of her intensely personal, process-based design practice, Hanahlie works with north west coast wool-sheep farmers to help support and build awareness for an industry that has been decimated by competition with imports. 

The Navajo Churro wool for the Tierkunde animals is sourced from Mountain Niche Farm in Chehalis, Washington, and the wool processing takes place at the Gulf Island Spinning Mill on Saltspring Island, BC. Hanahlie lives in Victoria, BC.

Each Tierkunde animal is a one of a kind item. Please email Hanahlie at info@mytierkunde.com for availability or visit casteprojects.com for a selection of available pieces online.

Thank you for your interest.