Pukumani Pole

$600.00

  • 80cm x 30cm
  • Acrylic and Ochre on Canvas
  • Catalog No: 2231-137-24

A Tiwi myth tells how the first funeral ceremony called pukamani was organized at the time of creation. At that time all things were immortal, until the goddess Wai-ai broke the law, causing the death of her small son Jinaini. His father, the god Purakapali, thus created the first pukamani ceremony, to weep over his son, and decreed that from then on anyone who died would follow his son into the world of the spirits. Together with Tokampini, the bird-man, Purukapali sculpted the first great painted poles that were planted around the burial place near the sea. In the same way he created the songs, dances and symbols that are painted on the occasion of the pukamani, transmitting all this to his people. The pukamani ceremony assures life after death and permits the deceased to reach the world of the spirits where he will live forever.

Available

This artwork is on a frame. Cost of artwork is off frame. Extra cost for shipping on frame will apply. A separate invoice will be issued for this charge.

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