Tiwi Ceremonial Tree Pole, 1964

natural earth pigments on ironwood

height: 58 cm

$4,800

Secure payment via Stripe. Prices in AUD.

Provenance: Field collected, Tiwi Islands, NT
Exhibited: Metamorphosis-Contemporary Indigenous Sculptures and Objects, Cooee Aboriginal Art Gallery, NSW, October 2009
Artwork story: Ceremonies play an important role in Tiwi culture. Traditionally each ceremony had its own form, which could vary depending upon the circumstances, and these were transmitted orally. Current ceremonies reflect these traditions, while taking account of modern day circumstances. There are two main ceremonial events performed: * the Kulama (yam) ceremony, and * the mortuary or Pukumani ceremony (sometimes spelt Pukamani). The Kulama ceremony occurs towards the end of the wet season. It is a celebration of life and involves three days and nights of ritual body paintings, singing and dancing complete with the eating of yams according to a ritual custom. Concentric circles often appear as the main element of contemporary Tiwi patterns, representing the Kulama circle or ceremonial dancing ground.

Click to enlarge

natural earth pigments on ironwood

height: 58 cm

$4,800

Secure payment via Stripe. Prices in AUD.

Provenance: Field collected, Tiwi Islands, NT
Exhibited: Metamorphosis-Contemporary Indigenous Sculptures and Objects, Cooee Aboriginal Art Gallery, NSW, October 2009
Artwork story: Ceremonies play an important role in Tiwi culture. Traditionally each ceremony had its own form, which could vary depending upon the circumstances, and these were transmitted orally. Current ceremonies reflect these traditions, while taking account of modern day circumstances. There are two main ceremonial events performed: * the Kulama (yam) ceremony, and * the mortuary or Pukumani ceremony (sometimes spelt Pukamani). The Kulama ceremony occurs towards the end of the wet season. It is a celebration of life and involves three days and nights of ritual body paintings, singing and dancing complete with the eating of yams according to a ritual custom. Concentric circles often appear as the main element of contemporary Tiwi patterns, representing the Kulama circle or ceremonial dancing ground.