99 AM 8069/11
Francesca Puruntatameri Jilamara 2011
Ochre on linen 900 x 700mm SOLD
During ceremony on the Tiwi Islands a series of ‘yoi’ (dances), are performed; some are totemic (inherited from the person's
Mother) and some serve to act out the narrative of newly composed songs.

Participants in these ceremonies are painted with turtiyanginari (the different natural ochre colours) in varying designs,
transforming the dancers and, in some cases, providing protection against recognition by mapurtiti (spirits).

These designs can be applied in different ways. Ochre is applied to the body and face. These significant artistic designs
collectively are called ‘Jilamara’.