FABRIC: 100% Cotton

SIZE: 62.5CM X 42.5CM

ARTIST: Josette Papajua

Art Centre: Munipi Arts

STORY: During 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 the dancers and protecting them against mapurtiti (spirits). These designs are collectively called Jilamara.

Our printing is a hand process that traditional handicraft workers can adopt, already having a similar skills set. Handicrafts in general are struggling to survive, pushed aside by industrial mass production. People are being displaced from their home villages due to lack of income. Screen printing is both productive and a clean industry that can be practiced on a small scale. We use water based inks. The designs belong to Aboriginal artists, who receive generous royalties on every purchase made.