Tiwi Totems

Tiwi totems are significant to the Tiwi people who inherit these cultural identities from members of their family. This totem is then forever held by that person, they identify with it and other members of the community that have the same totem and they also perfom the yoyi (dance) associated with the totem at ceremonies. They often take animal form and include iconic Tiwi species such as – Tjurukukuni (Owl), Yirrikipayi (Crocodile), Jarrangini (buffalo), Tartuwali (Shark), Jilarti (Brolga) and many more, but they also sometimes take the form of other significant objects such as Kapala (Sailing Boat).