Laurie Nelson Mungatopi b c1923
Bob One Apuatimi 1925-76
Jack Yarunga c1910-73
Don Burakmadju 1925-95
Charlie Quiet Kwangdini b c1905
Unknown
Tiwi,North region, Melville Island
Tutini(Pukumani grave posts)
1958
Natural pigments on ironwood
Gift of Dr. Stuart Scougall 1959
On the excursion of NSW Art Gallery, I observed
this outstanding art of one of the Tiwi artist at Milikapati. Pukumani
poles have great spiritual significance within Tiwi cultures, They use this
poles as part of their commemorative ceremony. They design this poles as
characterized of the deceased person's life, and the number and size of
the poles indicated their status. The family member assign men that is
not closely affiliated to the deceased to engrave the poles and supply
food for the carvers during their period of work. This amazing work of art
from Tiwi Island attracted me because how they sculpted and painted them with a
mixture of ochres and coloured synthentic pigments. Which I think it is an
extra-ordinary work that every design represent each of them.
