Pedro WONAEAMIRRI

born 1974, Melville Island
lives and works Melville Island
Skin name: Mulipurrula
Language group: Tiwi

On Australia’s Tiwi Islands the art of body painting for ceremonial purposes has been practiced for thousands of years and the traditional forms of mark-making were derived from the creation story.  All Jilamara, (traditional Tiwi design), is drawn from body painting which accompanies various cultural ceremonies.

Pukumani means taboo and applies to the funeral ceremonies, the possessions of the deceased, the close relatives of the deceased and the gravesite.  The Pukumani ceremony takes place two to six months after the burial and can last for a few days.  The carved burial Pukumani poles (Tutini) are both grave post markers and gifts to please the spirits of the dead. These traditionally painted poles are placed around the grave and left to decay.  The performance of the Pukumani ceremonies ensures that the spirit of the deceased will find its way to the spirit world where it will dwell forever.   
 
Pedro’s works are characterised by his exceptionally fine, delicate application of ochres.  All Tiwi artists use a simple three colour organic palette of – natural white, yellow  and red ochre to record their own personal interpretation of Jilamara.
 
Pwoja-Pukumani by Wonaeamirri is a great example of the exceptional fine application of ochres that Pedro is renowned for.

Other selected artwork acquisitions