Justin Puruntatameri

Justin Puruntatameri is the most senior lawman and custodian of the Tiwi Islands. Born at Kadipuwu on Melville Island before European settlement, he later lived near the Garden Point mission in a bark house. Taught important ceremonies and Tiwi songs by his father, Noel Maralampuwi, Justin is one of the few remaining speakers of the old Tiwi dialect. He continues to teach Tiwi language to children in Pirlangimpi. In 2010, he began painting at Munupi Arts and Crafts, using ochre to transfer his traditional body painting (Jilamara) designs onto canvas and linen.