Tiwi Fabric Gallery

Tiwi Fabric Gallery » Textile Design Catalogue » Pamijini

Pamijini

Artist: Francine Tungatalum

Francine created several designs at Tiwi Design in the late 1970’s.
Pamijini (ceremonial arm bands) and Tapalingini (ceremonial head bands) are worn for the Pukamani (funeral) and Kulama (Yam) ceremonies. They are worn by both male and female and are believed to keep away bad spirits.The pamijini and tapalingini are made of pandanus which is woven and plaited together. Pamijini and tapalingini is dyed with natural pigments and decorated tapatapunga (Crab-eye or red-abrus seeds) are sometimes stuck to the sugar bag as decoration.