Russellina Puruntatameri / Kulama Ceremony (RPA7)

My name is Russellina Puruntatameri, I am a proud Tiwi woman from the Tiwi Islands which is 80kms north of Darwin. I was born in Darwin in October 1989 and raised on the Tiwi Islands.

My father is Russell Black (skin group: Takaringini) and my mother is Lydwina (Nina) Puruntatameri (skin group: Lorrula). I am the oldest of 5, I have two sisters and two brothers. I have been living in Melbourne, Victoria with my three daughters and partner for 5 years.

I developed my artistic skills from my family back at home where I grew up at Pirlangimpi (Garden Point) on Melville Island, at the local art centre and by watching and listening to their stories. My mum is a well-known artist and has been painting since before I was born, she still paints back home. She’s always sending tips and stories that she has passed down to me. Painting reminds me of being back home and also makes me think a lot of my grandfather who passed away in 1996. He was a carver making Pukumani (totem poles) and so was my uncle Tracy Puruntatameri. It is important to keep our Tiwi culture strong for the little children when they grow up, so they can learn our culture (stories, dances, language and art).

The Kulama Ceremony consists of 3 days and 3 nights of ritual body paintings, singing and dancing happening towards the end of the wet season when a ring appears around the moon. It is an annual celebration of life and an important initiation ritual for young men. Circular shapes in contemporary Tiwi artwork often represent the ceremonial dancing ground. It is an important ceremony for the Tiwi community as it symbolises good health, hunting, initiation and marriage.