Pwoja Pukaumani Body Paint Design 2004
natural pigments on canvas
artist's name and Jilamara Arts and Crafts cat. no. 550-04
90 x 70cm
Estimate $2,000 - $4,000
Jilamara Arts and Crafts, Melville Island, Northern Territory (stamp verso)
Private collection, Melbourne
"Traditional Tiwi Culture placed special significance on the Puykumani (funeral) ceremony. Mourners are decorated using natural ochres as a disguise themselves from the spirit of the deceased and song and dance is performed to honour the dead. Pwoja (bodypaint) is the source of many contemporary Tiwi designs and performance of the pukumani as ritual helps to reinvigorate the imagery."
As stated of the Jilmara Arts and Crafts certificate of authenticity
© Pedro Wonaeamirri/Copyright Agency, 2026
Fine Art
AUCTION
Sale: LJ8806
6:00pm - 17 March 2026
Hawthorn
VIEWING
Fri 13 - Sun 15 March, 11am - 5pm
2 Oxley Rd, Hawthorn VIC
CONTACT
Wiebke Brix
wiebke.brix@leonardjoel.com.au
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