Country: Wurrumiyanga, Bathurst Island, Tiwi Islands

DOB: 24 February 1967

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Mario Munkara is an extremely popular and highly regarded Artist from Wurrumiyanga, the largest community located on the south-east coast of Bathurst Island, Tiwi Islands. The masked owl is significant to the culture of the Tiwi Islands, and the largest number of the species counted reside among the Tiwi Islanders in the forests of Melville Island.

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‘Owl Man’ plays a significant role in the creation story of the Tiwi Islands. He is credited with having come to warn Purukapali, the ancestor of all Tiwi Islanders, that his young son – Jinani – had died of heatstroke. The Owl is considered a guardian to Aboriginal People, and as they are nocturnal, they symbolise the power of the night, mystery and wisdom.

Mario’s carvings are made from a local ironwood, and hand-painted using traditional ochres from the earth.