Kulama by Timothy Cook

As a leading Tiwi painter from the Melville Island region Cook's works feature circular and cross motifs designs that are strongly connected to aspects of Tiwi ceremonial practice particularly the Kulama (yam ceremony). Kulama the major yearly ceremony central to Tiwi life and culture is performed in the late wet season (March–April) when a ring appears around the moon. Kulama is a traditional initiation for young men which coincides with the harvest of a certain wild yam species.