Embroidered Leather Handbag, Josette Papajua
During the Ceremony on the Tiwi Islands, a series of “Yoi”, dances are performed, some are totemic (matrilineal), and others act out newly composed songs. Participants are painted with turtiyanginari (natural ochres), transforming and protecting the dancers against mapurtiti (spirits). These designs are collectively called Jilamara.
Partner: Bits of Australia
Designed by Josette Papajua
Dreaming: Jarrikalani (Turtle)
Created by Josette Papajua, a carver and painter, she has been producing artworks since 1990, decorating Tunga (bark baskets) and bark paintings, as well as working on canvas from time to time. Josette also weaves pamajini (ceremonial armbands and headbands) and mats from pandanus. She often collaborates with her husband, Samuel ‘Marbuk’ Poantimului, painting his ironwood carvings as well as her own.
