Tiwi material culture in the twentieth century

: ethnographic curiosity to fine art

Abstract

This thesis examines the emergence ()f new material culture items in the Tiwi cultural repertoire this century. It discusses the different identities given to Tiwi material culture in the twentieth century by Europeans. Changes in Tiwi material culture are documented, and the ways in which Tiwi material culture has been defined and redefined this century in specific historical contexts and relations of power, are discussed. Developments and changes in Tiwi material culture are shown to be the product of active interaction between the Tiwi and outsiders. This Tiwi case study demonstrates that material culture is a dynamic, living, changing entity. not something static and unchangeable.

Date of Award	Nov 1996
Original language	English