Maryanne Mungatopi
(Australia 1966–2003)
- Language group
- Tiwi, North region
- Title
- Tunga
- Place of origin
-
Melville and Bathurst Islands →
Northern Territory →
Australia
- Year
- Unknown
- Media category
- Sculpture
- Materials used
- natural pigments on eucalyptus bark
- Dimensions
-
78.5 x 58.5 x 39.0cm
- Signature & date
- Not signed. Not dated.
- Credit
- Gift of Helen Read 2004
- Accession number
- 141.2004
- Location
- Not on display
- Further information
Tunga's are made from stringybark bark, which can only be collected during the wet season when the bark is moist and flexible. The bark is cut using a chainsaw, stripped smooth with a knife and cured over a fire before being bent into shape and sewn up with a bush string stripped from the native hibiscus. The tunga is left to dry for a few days before being painted with locally gathered ochres. Tungas were an everyday necessity for Tiwi, used to carry food. When a Tiwi person dies the tunga is placed upturned on the pukumani pole (grave-post) signifying the end of life. The tunga is decorated with designs associated with Tiwi ceremonial body designs.
© Australian Art Department, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2004
