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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Posts and Poles...

North Australian Aboriginal art is very different to the Central Australian desert art. It's tropical up here, wet, wet, wet and the materials available and the traditions are very different.

The Tiwi Islanders are well known for their "Pukumani Poles".  These poles form part of an important Tiwi ceremony for a deceased person. Months after the death, in-laws of the person who died are commissioned to carve and paint the Tutini (Pukumani poles) to be erected around the grave. They may be as tall as 4m high and are often arranged in groups with as many as ten poles

The poles become the focus for ceremonial singing and dancing, and after the the ceremony is over, the poles are left to weather in the bush. Traditionally they are carved out of bloodwood and decorated with ochre and charcoal, with distinctly Tiwi geometric designs (jilamara).

As you walk around Pirlangimpi you come across these poles. They have become so identified with Tiwi culture that they are a proud display of culture, and no longer simply perform their traditional roles. Here are some from around the town, with a few details here and there.

I think they are beautiful, proud and serene.

Pukamani pole near Pirlangimpi airport
Pukamani pole near Pirlangimpi airport - detail
Pukamani pole near Pirlangimpi airport
Pukamanii pole outside Munupi Arts Centre
Pukamani pole outside Munupi Arts Centre
Pukamanii pole outside Munupi Arts Centre - detail

8 comments:

  1. lovely and very inspiring yes? thanks for sharing tales of your amazing journeys fiona...

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  2. Very beautiful in situ. I always think they look marvellous en masse in museums but seeing them as you have pictured them is much more special.

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  3. Fiona,
    Thank you for taking us along your art discoveries road... I love looking at all these magnificent art expressions with you!

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  4. These are beautiful Fiona....especially because they are connected to life, death and meaningful ritual...they're not just beautiful objects for their own sake....not that that is in any way a bad thing! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. These are lovely - the detail is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.

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  6. Knowing the story behind these poles must inspire a certain amount of reverence whenever they are encountered. Thanks for the post Fiona.

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  7. Hi all - thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed some of the stories and images of Pirlangimpi; a very special place. I have been unable to reply as we have moved to Umbakumba where there is no mobile coverage, no email and no tv, so I was excited to get back to Darwin and read all these on my phone!

    The poles are beautiful and striking in galleries; but have a special warmth and memory on the Island, here and there.

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  8. Great to see them in their true settings - love the simple and textural details xoxoxo

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.