Banapa is the Tiwi word for net. Throw nets are commonly and expertly used for fishing off the beach. The shapes and forms these fish nets create whilst being cast translate into wonderful pictorial patterns.
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.
Banapa is the Tiwi word for net. Throw nets are commonly and expertly used for fishing off the beach. The shapes and forms these fish nets create whilst being cast translate into wonderful pictorial patterns.
Banapa is the Tiwi word for net. Throw nets are commonly and expertly used for fishing off the beach. The shapes and forms these fish nets create whilst being cast translate into wonderful pictorial patterns.
Banapa is the Tiwi word for net. Throw nets are commonly and expertly used for fishing off the beach. The shapes and forms these fish nets create whilst being cast translate into wonderful pictorial patterns.
At ReDot Fine Art Gallery, we acknowledge all the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands of the artists we represent, both past, present, and emerging. We have profound respect for all Indigenous people, and we strive through a thoughtful and culturally sensitive curation process of their artwork to represent their “Tjurkupa” to our global audience.
We prioritise authentic representation and ensure that the artists' voices and perspectives remain at the forefront of our platform’s objective.
By fostering collaborative partnerships and engaging with community art centres directly, we aim to create a safe and inclusive space that celebrates and preserves Indigenous cultural heritage and its artistic legacy.
At ReDot Fine Art Gallery, we acknowledge all the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands of the artists we represent, both past, present, and emerging. We have profound respect for all Indigenous people, and we strive through a thoughtful and culturally sensitive curation process of their artwork to represent their “Tjurkupa” to our global audience.
We prioritise authentic representation and ensure that the artists' voices and perspectives remain at the forefront of our platform’s objective.
By fostering collaborative partnerships and engaging with community art centres directly, we aim to create a safe and inclusive space that celebrates and preserves Indigenous cultural heritage and its artistic legacy.