Images(2)

Pedro Wonaeamirri Painting a Tutini

Photographer Ricky Maynard (1953)

Date1995

Object number00028909

NameCibachrome print

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsMount / Matt size: 310 × 385 × 7 mm
Sight: 165 × 240 mm
Overall: 610 × 385 × 7 mm, 0.2 kg
Image: 165 × 240 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionPedro Wonaeamirri is a noted carver and painter and uses traditional Tiwi patterns and methods to create the Tutini for the Pukumani ceremonies, an important funeral rite that continues to play a significant role in Tiwi society.HistoryThis photograph is one of a series of images taken by Ricky Maynard on Melville Island, north of Darwin in 1995. Ricky was asked by the Australian National Maritime Museum to document the artists from Jilamara Arts and Crafts, Milikapiti, Melville Island making six tutini (pukumani poles), and several arawunikiri (female spears). In addition, Ricky attended a pukumani ceremony which included the dancing among the tutini and the "smoking" to send away the spirit of the deceased. SignificanceThis image of Pedro Wonaeamirri is important in documenting the continuing practice of the traditional pukumani ceremony on Melville and Bathurst Islands.
Wonaeamirri is a senior Culture man of the Tiwi Islands with a significant and strong knowledge of the ‘hard’ Tiwi language and all of the songs and dancing important in Tiwi culture.