Hawana, how are you? Hawana is Tiwi for hello.
This little moppet hid around the trees as we approached and peeked around and smiled shyly. His name is Bom Bom. which I was told means bottom.
Tiwi Design, located on Bathurst Island, started from a small Catholic Presbytery in 1969. Two young men, Bede Tungatalum and Giovanni Tipungwuti, worked with the art teacher, Madeline Clear, to produce woodblock prints.
The artists soon began to transfer their designs onto silk screens and printing textiles quickly became a major activity. Today, Tiwi Design artists provide diverse works across many mediums, including fine art sculptures and paintings.
This bird was created at Tiwi Design at Nguiu on Bathurst Island and was hand carved by Mario Munkara whose artwork is fine and therefore higher priced.
Another lady also wanted to purchase it. I made sure not to put it down while I contemplated buying it as it was fairly expensive. I'm glad I bought it.
Mr. Munkara goes "walkabout" selects a suitable branch which he brings back to carve. On the day I visited I was fortunate as he had just returned that morning and kindly consented to pose with me.
One of the ladies who make beautiful paintings.
Tiwi Art
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