MICHAEL NONA | 'Ngaziw Dhangalaw Ulakal' | Linocut print

Michael Nona, ‘Ngaziw Dhangalaw Ulakal’, 2016, linocut print on paper, 60x200cm (image size), edition of 12

"Ngaziw Dhangalaw Ulakal (2016) depicts a herd of dugong at Nazi reef. Nazi reef lies to the north east of Mabuyag Island (just north of Badu Island) in the Western Torres Strait. Between Nazi and Anuy reefs, there is always a herd of dugong feeding on the healthy sea grass below. When the wind picks up and the seas are rough, the dugongs move to these reefs for shelter. In this work the bull is leading the herd, swimming at the front. Mabuyag Island and smaller islands are seen in the background.

My people of the Western Torres Strait are dugong hunters. It is a tradition that’s been practiced for countless generations. When dugongs are plentiful near Nazi, hunters set out to sea. The traditional of Powpa Thayan is practiced. Because of the narrow passage between the reefs the dugongs herd in large numbers. The hunters only take what is needed."

Kala Lagaw Ya translation: Alick Tipoti

Ngaziw dhangalaw ulakal, Ngazinu arayzinga dhangalal. Ngazi mazaw nel, naygay ika kidh yoewka Mabuygingu Maluyligaw malunu. Nazinu a Anuynu matha dhadhal ulakalan mayka, dhangalal dhaamu mina purthayk. Inub zagethnu ngath palanu, dhangalaw ulakal, Thuwaw garka kulay tadayk. Mabuyag kalanu uzig a moegi lagal wara.

Ulakalal mura thonarnu Mabuyginu arayzinga kasa kedha, gub kadaka mizin, ulakalal thaman Ngazika a Anuynu dhadhakas. Ngaw mabaygal Maluyligal, ngoey dhangalal gasamik. Sena ngoelmun ay. Inub danalayg mina koezipay ngapa ngalayg kulay thonaraw danalayg, kulba mabaygaw danalayg. Dhanagal Nazi ari, zogoaw garkazil gulay kadaman maluka aypulumay. Thana powpa thiyayk, dhangal ika. Senub moegi apathiyay kosar mazanu, dhangala koey goersar arayzinga, kasa kedha mabaygan matha minamka a matha moekiya gasamik ayka.

Please note: due to the size of this work, editions are printed on demand. Edition limited to 12 prints. Please allow time for printing, signing by the artist and dispatch to your destination.