Wujirrima

Artist Thecla Purantatameri (Indigenous Australian, born 1971)

Date1994

Object number00018449

NameScreenprint

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsC fini frame.

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionA screenprint on paper by Thecla Purantatameri titled 'Wujirrima' (periwinkle). Wujirrima are a source of food on the Tiwi islands and occur mainly in the mangroves, especially mangroves on rocky sites, where they can be found on or amongst the roots and lower stems. They are lightly roasted on hot coals and the flesh picked out with a stick and eaten. Skin group: Wuliijula - Ironwood Kirrilima - Jungle Fowl HistoryThe Munupi Art Centre on Melville Island, one of the Tiwi Islands about l00 kms from Darwin. The centre is a long tin mission shed which does little to take the heat away from those working in it. For 10 years it has produced mainly printed material for clothing. In the last five years it has taken on a fine arts focus and in that time a small group of prolific women artists have produced a collection of limited edition prints that have been widely exhibited throughout Australia. Two of these artists are Susan Wanji Wanji and Thecla Puruntatameri Thecla Puruntatameri was born on Bathurst Island and grew up in a family well known for their artistic achievements. Since leaving school in 1989 she has worked at the Munupi Art Centre. Print making is a recent innovation in Tiwi art, Wanji Wanji and Puruntatameri produce designs using carved lino, a process that combines the traditional Tiwi craft of carving with the popular practice of layering the image with lines, dots and cross hatching using strong and vibrant colours. The print workshop on the Island is an important source of income for the Tiwi islanders, especially the women. The subject matter they choose is the living objects around them on the Island. There are three recognised major seasons on the Tiwi Islands. These are Kumunupunari, the dry season (or the season of smoke), Tiyari, the build up season and Jamutakari, the wet season. Within the three main seasons there are a number of other weather patterns or minor seasons which are also recognised and each effect the natural food supplies of the area. SignificanceTiwi art is uniquely different from the mainland art and developed independently over thousands of years and influenced by its marine environment. With no written language, the history and culture, story and law have been handed down from generation to generation via song, story, totem design, sculpture and dance.