Pukumani Poles (Tutini Mortuary Poles)
Artist
Thecla Purantatameri
(Indigenous Australian, born 1971)
Date1993
Object number00027870
NamePainting
MediumWatercolour on paper
DimensionsOverall: 559 × 757 mm
Copyright© Thecla Puruntatameri
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection
DescriptionA painting by Thecla Puruntatameri titled 'Pukumani Poles'.
The painting depicts four Pukumani (mortuary) poles.
As in creation times,the Pukamani is still the single most important Tiwi ceremony.
HistoryThe burial ceremonies of the Tiwi based on the Pukamani of the mythical man Purrukupali are by far the most important events in ceremonial life. These ceremonies allow full expression of grief, and provide at the same time a complete cultural outlet for spiritual beliefs, through music, art and dance.
The final Pukamani is the climax of a series of ceremonies which traditionally continued for many months after the burial of the dead.
There is usually one lliana (minor ceremony) at the time of death and then many months later the full Pukamani.The ceremony culminates in the erection of monumental carved and decorated Pukamani poles which take many months to prepare and are impressive gifts to placate the spirit of the dead.
Participants in the ceremony are painted with natural ochres in many different designs. Transforming the dancers and providing protection against recognition by the spirit of the deceased. Those participants closely related to the deceased wear decorated armbands (pamijini) during the performance. Pamijinis are woven from the leaves of the pandanus or screw palm and are decorated with natural ochres and the feathers of the white cockatoo. The white cockatoo's association with the Tiwi Pukamani ceremony extend beyond the use of its feathers for headbands
and armbands. It is believed to keep a sentinel eye on wayward spirits lost enroute to the island of the dead.
During all ceremonies a series of Yoi (dances) are performed: some are totemic and some serve to act out the narrative of newly composed songs. Aside from the secreative and illustrative performances there are those that
certain kin must dance, ie. mother; father, sibling and widow.
When all is concluded and the last wailing notes of the amburu (death song) have died away the grave is deserted and the burial poles allowed to decay.
SignificanceMuch of Tiwi ceremonial life and law have dissipated with European missionary influence over the past hundred years, although the major ceremonies, Pukamani and Kulama continue to be celebrated and their importance respected. This rich cultural heritage and the land from which it is born continues to inspie Tiwi artists.This intimate link of Tiwi people with clan and country gives strength to the artists designs.Traditionally used to decorate ceremonial poles, spears and bark baskets, as well as the diverse elaborate markings painted on the face and body during ceremonies.
