Living Tiwi

Pwoja - Pukumani body paint design. Natural ochres on canvas by Ian Cook Mungatopi

By Jed Lanyon

Natural ochres on canvas by ten Tiwi artists from Jilamara Arts and Craft Association are coming to Hearth Galleries in May.

Designs from Pwoja (body painting) and Pukumani burial poles give a powerful insight into Tiwi mythology, ceremony and mortality.

The artwork can be viewed from 8 May to 9 June.

The artwork is by Janice Murray, Raelene Kerinauia, Timothy Cook, Linus Warlapinni, Ian Cook Mungatopi, Dymphna Kerinauia, Chris Tipiloura, Jocelyn Black, Kenny Brown and Pedro Wonaeamirri.

“The ochres are being left by our ancestors, so still following their footsteps. Ochres were used here by our elders and today we are still using it. We have not forgotten our colour,” said Pedro Wonaeamirri.