Arawinikiri

Maker Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri (1925-2001)

Date1995

Object number00019565

NameSpear

MediumOchres, carved stringybark

Dimensions1687 x 112 x 35 mm, 1.25 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionAn Arawinikiri / Arawunigiri (female Tiwi ceremonial spear) used in the Tiwi Pukumani ceremony. It is carved and decorated with traditional Tiwi clan designs and features has a row of barbs on each side. This differs from a Tunkalinta (male Tiwi ceremonial spear) which features barbs on one side only. Country: Munupi Dance: Jurrukukuni (owl) HistoryBurial rituals (Pukumani) are based on the teachings of ancestral spirits. The elaborately carved and painted poles (tutini) are placed around the grave of a Tiwi person and the Tunga (bark bags) are placed upside down on top of the poles to signify the end of life and that the relatives of the deceased have fulfilled their obligations. The poles are commissioned by the dead person's family along with new songs, dances and body paint designs.SignificanceCeremonial spears were used in the Tiwi funeral ceremonies known as Pukamani. Each spear is gender specific and could take up to three months each to create.