• 9. Thapuja (home)
  • 9. Thapuja (home)
  • 9. Thapuja (home)

Jimmy Mungatopi

9. Thapuja (home)


Regular price   

    • Locally sourced ochre on paper, framed by Don Whyte
    • Dimensions: 35 x 38cm (53 x 55cm framed)
    • Cat No. 468-23


Skin: Miyartuwi (Pandanus)

Jimmy Mungatopi has spent most of his life at the art centre. The old people said, “Join in – we want to pass this place on to young people like yourself,” and when he was told this he thought, “I’m not going doing anything else and I had to think how do I want to move on?” Jimmy decided he would come to Jilamara to build a life for himself and his kids.

Jimmy is an alumnus of the ANKAAA 2014 Arts Worker Extension Program. He is recognised for his traditional dancing and singing. He has exhibited in the ‘Emerging Artists’ exhibition at Outstation in 2014 and in several of the Tiwi exhibitions held at Double Tree Hilton during the Darwin Festival.

In Tiwi language, the term Jilamara refers to body paint design.

Established in 1989, Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association is owned and governed by Tiwi artists from Milikapiti community on Melville Island. The Tiwi Islands, Bathurst Island & Melville Island, are north of Darwin and have been home to Tiwi people since parlingarri (a long time ago). Milikapiti community is on the coast over overlooking the Arafura Sea. It’s a happy place, with strong families and strong culture.

Through workshops, training, support and representation, Jilamara artists are supported to build careers as internationally renowned artists. In the community, the art centre is an important place for children to learn culture through culture classes and for young people to learn from their elders to build bright futures.

The Muluwurri Museum is an important keeping place for Tiwi culture and stories, important for remembering old ways and the old people who started Jilamara. For artists and community members, the art centre is a supportive workplace to learn new skills and earn money to support family.

Jilamara Arts is a place for everybody.

Best efforts are made to get your purchase on its way within 2 business days. Postage from Darwin can be slow so please bear with us! 

All works are packed securely to protect during shipping. All items valued over $100 are insured for damage during transit. 

If you are purchasing multiple works, please email us for custom shipping rates. 

Items purchased online that are part of an exhibition will be shipped at the end of the exhibition period.