Banapa - Nets of the Tiwi Islands

A Collection of Fine Munupi Indigenous Art

Banapa - Nets of the Tiwi Islands

A Collection of Fine Munupi Indigenous Art

Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by ALISON PURUNTATAMERI of Munupi Artists. The title is Pwoja Jilamara. [20-264] (Ochre on Canvas) Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by ALISON PURUNTATAMERI of Munupi Artists. The title is Pwoja Jilamara. [20-264] (Ochre on Canvas)
11/21

ALISON PURUNTATAMERI

Pwoja Jilamara
20-264
Ochre on Canvas
 Pwoja Jilamara | 20-264
Ochre on Canvas
 176 x 236cm | 69.29 x 92.91in
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During ceremony on the Tiwi Islands, a series of yoi (dances) are performed; some are totemic (inherited from the person’s Mother) and some serve to act out the narrative of newly composed songs.

Participants in these ceremonies are painted with turtiyanginari (the different natural ochre colours) in varying designs, transforming the dancers and, in some cases, providing protection against recognition by mapurtiti (spirits).

These designs can be applied in different ways, one of which is using the pwoja (or kayimwagakimi), a traditional Tiwi ‘comb’ carved with a single row of teeth on one or both ends, usually made using ironwood or bloodwood. After being dipped in ochre and applied to the body a straight row of dots is imprinted. Once completed, these dots are then collectively called yirrinkiripwoja (body painting). Painting of the face also occurs. These significant artistic designs collectively are called Jilamara.

During ceremony on the Tiwi Islands, a series of yoi (dances) are performed; some are totemic (inherited from the person’s Mother) and some serve to act out the narrative of newly composed songs. Participants in these ceremonies are painted with turtiyanginari (the different natural ochre colours) in varying designs, transforming the dancers and, in some cases, providing protection against recognition by mapurtiti (spirits).

These designs can...