Images(2)

Arawunigir

Maker Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri (1925-2001)

Date1995

Object number00019567

NameSpear

MediumWood, ochres

Dimensions1773 x 100 x 30 mm, 1 kg
Display Dimensions: 1774 x 100 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionAn Arawinikiri / Arawunigiri (female Tiwi ceremonial spear) by Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri 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. 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) History"Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association was established in 1989, at first as an adult education centre focused on fabric printing and under the guidance of textile artist, James Bennett. As well as quickly gaining a reputation for fabric, the centre soon became widely recognised for distinctive paintings and carved works. Key figures in this shift were the ‘two old ladies’ of Jilamara, Kitty Kantilla (C.1928-2003) and Freda Warlapinni (C.1928-2003) who were predominately producing works on paper and linen, and also artists, such as Paddy Freddy Puruntatameri (c.1925-2000), who were eager to see the tradition of carving continued through the art centre .These older, established figures of Tiwi Art created a rigorous framework at the centre and many of the second-generation artists who continue to practice at Jilamara today established themselves during this period, under their informal guidance. " - Jilamara Arts and Crafts Assoc. 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 addition to the tutini, the Pukamani ceremony also involves dancing and singing and the making of additional objects such as armbands and ceremonial spears.