Jampurraringa
Maker
Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri
(1925-2001)
Date1995
Object number00019569
NameClub
MediumOchres, carved stringybark
Dimensions800 x 105 x 25 mm, 0.6 kg
Copyright© Patrick Puruntatameri
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection
DescriptionA Jampurraringa, a Tiwi ceremonial forked fighting club or stick, by Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri carved and decorated with ochre with traditional Tiwi clan designs and used in the Pukumani Ceremony.
Paddy Freddy Puruntatameri was an important Tiwi elder on Melville Island and a senior artist in the community. He was also the father of Andrew Freddy Puruntatameri who has produced several works for the National Maritime Collection.
Country: Munupi
Dance: Jurrukukuni (owl)
HistoryIn addition to the more familiar carved Tutini there are additional ceremonial objects associated with the Pukamani ceremony. These include Tunga (bark baskets), Pamajini (armbands) and Yirriwala (fighting sticks).
Yirriwala fighting sticks were used in the widows’ dance and also known as a forked fighting stick. This refers to the Pukumani story when during an argument between Purukuparli and Taparra (who becomes the moon) Taparra throws a forked fighting stick. The forked detail is reminiscent of lighting.SignificanceThe Pukamani ceremony has been practised since the first death of a human, Tjinani, and is held months after the burial or Iliana ceremony. In adition to the tutini, the Pukamani ceremony also involves dancing and singing and the making of additional objects such as armbands and ceremonial spears.
