Burial Sites by Jock Puautjimi

Tiwi people believe that the dead person’s existence in the living world is not finished until the completion of a Pukumani ceremony, in which the spirit of the dead person (mobiditi) goes into the spirit world. The ceremony occurs about six months after the deceased has been buried, and culminates in the erection of Pukumani poles; gifts to placate the spirit of the dead, which symbolise the status and prestige of the deceased. The poles are placed around the burial site during the Pukumani ceremony.

This design was originally created in the 1990s as a lino cut, and was adapted to a larger screen at Megalo in Canberra in 2012. It depicts: “The special taboo places called Pukumani. We place Pukumani poles around burial sites during our final Pukumani Ceremony. Until this final ceremony we are not allowed to go near these burial sites.”

The poles are placed around the burial site during the Pukumani ceremony.”

Blog posts

View all
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Creativity, Culture, and Connection

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Creativity, Culture, and Connection

Looking Back As we close the chapter on 2024, we reflect on the incredible milestones, collaborations, and moments that defined our journey this year. From award wins to meaningful partnerships, ea...

Visiting Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and the Ewyenper Atwatye artists

Visiting Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and the Ewyenper Atwatye artists

Magpie Goose team returned to Mparntwe to visit the Ewyenper Atwatye artists, coordinate a fun little photoshoot, host a pop-up shop, and soak in all the beautiful artwork while connecting with so ...

SustainableMagpie Goose takes Gold at the Clean + Conscious Awards 2024

Magpie Goose takes Gold at the Clean + Conscious Awards 2024

Magpie Goose has received the Gold award for Best Sustainable Womenswear at the Clean + Conscious Awards 2024!