Untitled (Pukumani ceremony design)

Artist Mathew Freddy Puruntatameri (1972-2007)

Date1995

Object number00018368

NamePainting

MediumOchre on lanaquerelle paper

DimensionsImage: 720 x 540 mm
758 x 567 mm, 0.3 kg
Sheet: 758 x 567 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionAn untitled painting by Matthew Freddy Puruntatameri based on the Tiwi Islands Pukumani ceremony. 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.HistoryMathew Freddy Puruntatameri owns the Pandanus tree dance and Owl totem. His painting is influenced by the bark containers called tungas.These containers hold the deceased's property at the funeral ceremony and are placed around the bottom of the Pukamani poles. The tungas are also placed over the top of the Pukamani poles after the ceremony has been completed. This indicates that the spirit of the deceased has been released and has entered into the sea. It also signifies that people can enter the funeral grounds.SignificanceThe Tiwi Island community has very 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.