The sun is very important to the Tiwi people. Parlingarri (creation time) it is believed that the whole world was in perpetual darkness and inhabited by yamparriparri (evil spirits). The wulimaka (old lady) Murtankala came up from underground with three children in a tunga (bark bag) on her back. As she moved around on the surface, she created grooves and crevices in the land with her body. Some of these filled with water and created the geographical shapes and channels of the Tiwi Islands. She made yikwani (fire) by rubbing grass and sticks together and lifted it up into the sky with her two hands to create light for her children, one of whom was Purukuparli (the first Tiwi man). This light became warnarringa (the sun). To this day contemporary Jilamara artists still use natural earth pigments from Country to paint. The yellow ochre is burnt on the fire to make the red pigment – the colours of the land, the sun and fire applied to recall the old designs and creations stories of the Tiwi people.
Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association Shipping policy
Artwork price includes shipping within Australia. Please contact us for international orders.
Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association Refund policy
Refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All artworks are covered by transit insurance and should damage occur in transit the customer will be offered the options to repair, exchange or refund the work.
Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association Return policy
Refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Tarnanthi Art Fair 2023 is Now Closed
Thank you for supporting the 2023 Tarnanthi Art Fair and all of the incredible participating Art Centres.
Congratulations to those who purchased a work of art! Art Centre staff are already carefully packing and freighting your precious packages – so if you have an enquiry about your purchase, please contact the Art Centre directly with the details found in your order email.