Relating to the passing of a Tiwi person, the Pukamani pole (or Tutini) is a ceremonial carving/sculpture positioned around the grave site of the deceased that tells the story of, and celebrates, the person's life. The burial ceremonies of the Tiwi, based on the Pukamani of the mythical man Purrukapali are by far the most important events in ceremonial life. These ceremonies allow full expression of grief and provide at the same time a complete cultural outlet for philosophical beliefs, through music, art and dance.
Read LessYimwaliniyi is the word for Ceremonial Dressing made and used for the Pukamani Ceremony which is the final ceremony for the deceased person, which usually occurs on their homeland country 1 year after the death.Tutuni , tunga, pamajini (armbands), tapalingini (headband - for ladies only), arawunikiyiri (spear - for men only).
Tunga is a bark basket that goes over the top of the tutuni at the end of the ceremony. The armbands and headbands are put into the tunga .The spears are broken and next to the Tutuni Pukamani Poles. Everything is left there on their homeland.