Sculpture | Kookaburra carving by Arthur Puruntatameri | Ngaruwanajirri Inc

This wonderful kookaburra sculpture was carved and painted by Ngaruwanajirri artist Arthur Puruntatameri. Arthur carves each day, taking great pride in making up his own ochre colours, with paintwork that is beautifully applied. His subject matter includes carved heads and delightful birds, and he works with other carvers to create large tutini (poles). Arthur also helps with the maintenance and upkeep of the Art centre.

Ngaruwanajirri, meaning “helping one another” in the Tiwi language, is an Aboriginal art centre in Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island in the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory. Established in 1994, it supports Tiwi artists, many of whom live with disability, to create and share their work in a safe, inclusive and culturally strong environment.

Ngaruwanajirri artists work across ochre painting, lino printing, silk batik, etching and wood carving. Each piece reflects Tiwi visual language and traditions, telling stories of Country, ceremony and community, and helping sustain a creative space in one of Australia’s remote island communities.

Details:
28 cm tall
Material: ironwood carving and natural ochres