Thomas Munkanome AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL TIWI ISLAND Tokampini Bird Totem Carving

Description

Absolutely stunning! This piece measures slightly under 14” tall. There are some areas of splitting to wood which can be seen in photos 6&7 but seller doesn’t feel this detracts from piece. Thomas Munkanome (Cockatoo Man) of Tiwi-owned art centre Tiwi Design is much loved for his playful ironwood carvings. Thomas works in small and large scale and is represented in major institutions and private collections both in Australia and overseas. As with most Tiwi artists, Thomas developed his art under the watchful eye of 'the old men' – experienced Tiwi carvers from Nguiu on Bathurst Island.
Located in Nguiu on Bathurst Island in the Northern Territory, Tiwi Design is one of the oldest and most artistically diverse first nations’ art centres in Australia. Tiwi Design is dedicated to the promotion, preservation and enrichment of Tiwi culture, and the art centre features a carver’s shelter and studios dedicated to pottery, screen printing and painting.[i] In the creation of their artworks, the Tiwi artists proudly use materials such as feathers, ironwood and natural ochre pigments sourced from their traditional lands, reinforcing the strength of country and culture within both the objects and the community.
Stunning carved ironwood tokampini (bird) Decorated with hand-painted ochre patterns and designs in natural earthy tones, the vibrant flock of tokampini are a joyous celebration of the native Australian creatures of the region and the artistic skills of the traditional owners