Artist: Carol Puruntatameri | Title: Kulama Design | Year: 2021 | Medium: ochre on canvas | Dimensions: 120 x 80 cm
PROVENANCE
Munupi Arts Cat No. 21-416
ARTWORK STORY
The Kulama design depicts this important ceremony of the Tiwi people; the dancers and singers create a circle and prepare the poisonous yam for eating, as indicated by the circles in the painting. The Kulama ceremony was given to the Tiwi people by the Nyingawi, who are little spirit people (as depicted in Tiwi mythology). It is a celebration of life and food, occurring at the end of the wet season. The Tiwi know when to perform Kulama when the last full moon of the wet season has a yellow halo surrounding it, which tells them that Japarra (the moon man) is ready for it to begin.
ARTIST PROFILE
COMMUNITY/ REGION
Tiwi Islands, NT
LANGUAGE
Tiwi
BIOGRAPHY
Carol Puruntatameri was born on March 21, 1959, in Wurrumiyanga (Bathurst Island). Her mother’s country is Jikilaruwu on Bathurst Island, and her father’s country is Yapalika on Melville Island. Her Dreaming is Jurrukuni (Owl). When she was 10, her family moved to Pirlangimpi, her father’s homeland, where she began engaging with Tiwi cultural traditions.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Carol shared, “When old man, my father’s brother Justine Puruntatameri, did painting, he brought all us children and grandchildren to the Munupi Art Centre, teaching us to carry on.” She fondly remembers watching her father paint Pukumani poles and decorate his body during the Kulama ceremony, often using a mirror. “Our fathers told all us girls, ‘Go down and cut sticks from mangroves to use in the ceremony.’”
Carol’s artistic journey began later in life. “I used to stay home gambling, but one day I came to the art centre and watched my uncle painting. I didn’t know how to paint. I started painting and painting, and I am here today and I know how to paint.” Inspired by her father’s work, she incorporates stories into her own paintings, honoring her heritage.
A passionate advocate for cultural preservation, Carol envisions a museum at the Munupi Art Centre to educate future generations and display Tiwi artifacts such as clap sticks and Tokoinga, a ceremonial ball made from beeswax and feathers. “This is a family treasure,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding traditional knowledge.
Since joining Munupi Arts in 2010, Carol has gained recognition for her contributions to Tiwi art. In 2024, she was honored as a finalist for the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), a testament to her dedication and talent.
REFERENCES
Munupi Arts (n.d.) Carol Puruntatameri. Available at: https://munupiart.com/collections/carol-puruntatameri (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
PROVENANCE
Munupi Arts Cat No. 21-416
ARTWORK STORY
The Kulama design depicts this important ceremony of the Tiwi people; the dancers and singers create a circle and prepare the poisonous yam for eating, as indicated by the circles in the painting. The Kulama ceremony was given to the Tiwi people by the Nyingawi, who are little spirit people (as depicted in Tiwi mythology). It is a celebration of life and food, occurring at the end of the wet season. The Tiwi know when to perform Kulama when the last full moon of the wet season has a yellow halo surrounding it, which tells them that Japarra (the moon man) is ready for it to begin.
ARTIST PROFILE
COMMUNITY/ REGION
Tiwi Islands, NT
LANGUAGE
Tiwi
BIOGRAPHY
Carol Puruntatameri was born on March 21, 1959, in Wurrumiyanga (Bathurst Island). Her mother’s country is Jikilaruwu on Bathurst Island, and her father’s country is Yapalika on Melville Island. Her Dreaming is Jurrukuni (Owl). When she was 10, her family moved to Pirlangimpi, her father’s homeland, where she began engaging with Tiwi cultural traditions.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Carol shared, “When old man, my father’s brother Justine Puruntatameri, did painting, he brought all us children and grandchildren to the Munupi Art Centre, teaching us to carry on.” She fondly remembers watching her father paint Pukumani poles and decorate his body during the Kulama ceremony, often using a mirror. “Our fathers told all us girls, ‘Go down and cut sticks from mangroves to use in the ceremony.’”
Carol’s artistic journey began later in life. “I used to stay home gambling, but one day I came to the art centre and watched my uncle painting. I didn’t know how to paint. I started painting and painting, and I am here today and I know how to paint.” Inspired by her father’s work, she incorporates stories into her own paintings, honoring her heritage.
A passionate advocate for cultural preservation, Carol envisions a museum at the Munupi Art Centre to educate future generations and display Tiwi artifacts such as clap sticks and Tokoinga, a ceremonial ball made from beeswax and feathers. “This is a family treasure,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding traditional knowledge.
Since joining Munupi Arts in 2010, Carol has gained recognition for her contributions to Tiwi art. In 2024, she was honored as a finalist for the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), a testament to her dedication and talent.
REFERENCES
Munupi Arts (n.d.) Carol Puruntatameri. Available at: https://munupiart.com/collections/carol-puruntatameri (Accessed: 16 January 2025).