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Untitled (The Pukumani Ceremony)

Artist Aileen Henry (1956-2001)

Datec 1995

Object number00018367

NamePainting

MediumOchre, lanaquerelle paper

DimensionsOverall: 760 × 565 mm, 0.3 kg
Sheet: 762 × 565 mm
Image: 695 × 500 mm
Mount / Matt size (D Fini Mount): 630 × 865 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionAn untitled painting by Aileen Henry influenced by the Pukumani ceremony of the Tiwi Islands. The Pukumani Ceremony is performed to ensure the safe departure of the deceased's soul from the land of the living. Tiwi paintings often refer to the body paint and pole decorations used in this ceremony. Aileen Henry was a reknown ochre artist from Melville Island, part of the Tiwi Island group in the Northern Territory. Community Centre: Milikapiti Language Group: Tiwi Social affiliations: Magpie, Goose dance HistoryThe Tiwi word ‘Jilamara’, which roughly translates to ‘design’, refers to the intricate ochre patterning traditionally applied to the bodies of dancers and the surface of carved poles during the Pukamani funeral ceremony. This ceremony is still a part of community life and continues to inform the current art practice of the Tiwi people. Tiwi work displays its own regionally distinct identity, and varies greatly in form and content from the indigenous art of the Arnhem and Central Desert regions of Australia. -Jilamara Arts and Crafts | Tiwi IslandsSignificanceThe Tiwi Island community has strong artist traditions that are based in the rich cultural and spiritual association with their land and life cycles. The distinctive geometric patterns are unique to their region and differ notably from those of the mainland despite the relative geographical closeness.