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.
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| Pukamani pole near Pirlangimpi airport |
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| Pukamani pole near Pirlangimpi airport - detail |
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| Pukamani pole near Pirlangimpi airport |
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| Pukamanii pole outside Munupi Arts Centre |
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| Pukamani pole outside Munupi Arts Centre |
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| Pukamanii pole outside Munupi Arts Centre - detail |
lovely and very inspiring yes? thanks for sharing tales of your amazing journeys fiona...
ReplyDeleteVery 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.
ReplyDeleteFiona,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking us along your art discoveries road... I love looking at all these magnificent art expressions with you!
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!
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely - the detail is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteKnowing the story behind these poles must inspire a certain amount of reverence whenever they are encountered. Thanks for the post Fiona.
ReplyDeleteHi 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!
ReplyDeleteThe poles are beautiful and striking in galleries; but have a special warmth and memory on the Island, here and there.
Great to see them in their true settings - love the simple and textural details xoxoxo
ReplyDelete