null Skip to main content
Every purchase supports the
Art Gallery of NSW
Added to cart
Item name
Every purchase supports the Art Gallery of NSW
  • Art Gallery exclusives
  • Prints
  • Homewares
  • Books
  • Fashion
  • Kids
  • Gifts

Tiwi Story: Turning History Downside Up

ISBN: 9781742238128 ISBN: 9781742238128

$40.00
Member’s price $36.00Not a member? Join Now

Ships within 2-11 business days

‘I believe history is for healing. But you need to tell the whole story, the good and the bad. Telling the truth to the younger ones, the next generation, will make them strong.’ — Mavis Kerinaiua

The Tiwi people have more than their fair share of stories that turn ideas of Australian history upside down.

The Tiwi claim the honour of defeating a global superpower.

When the world’s most powerful navy invaded and attempted to settle the Tiwi Islands in 1824, Tiwi warriors fought the British and won. The Tiwi remember the fight, and oral histories reveal their tactical brilliance.

Later, in 1911, Catholic priest Francis Xavier Gsell decided to ‘purchase’ Tiwi women and ‘free’ them from traditional marriage, so girls would grow up into devoted Catholics.

But Tiwi women had more power in marriage negotiations than missionaries realised. They worked out how to be both Tiwi and Catholic. And it was the missionaries who came around to Tiwi thinking.

Then there are stories of the Tiwi people’s ‘number one religion’: Aussie Rules; Calista Kantilla remembers her time growing up in the mission dormitory; and Teddy Portaminni explains the importance of Tiwi history and culture as something precious, owned by Tiwi and the source of Tiwi strength.


Author: Mavis Kerinaiua and Laura Rademaker
Paperback
224 pages
23.4 x 15.3 cm

Format: Hardcover

Dimensions: 20cm x 15cm x 1 cm

More

Members save 10% at the Gallery Shop*

* excludes DVDs and Gallery publications

Members save 10% at the Gallery Shop*

Join or renew now

* excludes DVDs and Gallery publications

Get our newsletter

Be sure you never miss out on new products, our sales and special offers!

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Gallery stands, the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.