LAURIE NONA | 'Dhangalaw Thamai (Culture shift)' | Linocut print

DHANALGAW THAMAI (Cultural Shift) 

"This image recognises the importance of the Dhangal – Dugong – to our Torres Strait Islander culture and the need to preserve it for future generations. Islanders realise that there are many others in the broader community who also want to preserve the Dhangal. To achieve this, there have to be culture shifts.

This image of the Dhangal – Dugong – is in three sections separated by Journey Paddles. The Dhangal is moving forward. This represents life and the paddles remind us of each individual's capacity to take up paddles, paddling towards making important decisions such as culture shifts. Our Torres Strait Islander cultural practice is responding to new circumstances. Acceptance of cultural shift is gradual. This Dhangal carving and designs within this image portray the landscape of our Torres Strait regions, islands and the seas countries environment.

The Dhangal Tail:

The carving designs within the tail section portray our peoples spiritual connection with the sea and its relationship with the land and sky. This is embodied in our ancestral heritage which requires respect for every living creature. Our connection with the environment is our very identity.

A traditional spear with harpoon, a Wap, is on the right hand side of the tail showing that we are a hunting culture. Nevertheless, we are shifting our traditional hunting practices and supporting this shift with management plans to protect the Dhangal and Warr - (Turtle). These plans require strict enforcement. Harsh penalties apply within cultural lore.

The Body:

The Dhangal middle section depicts a warrior paddling a canoe as the sea parts below him in the shape of a Dhangal. The warrior sits as one with the Dhangal. In this He also symbolises movement and the need to preserve the Dhangal.

The Head:

The Head section symbolises our leaders for the place where decisions are made – informed decisions. It represents the common need to protect threatened sea turtles – Warr , the Dhangal and our coastal habitats for there preservation survival. Unless the future of the Dhangal and Warr is assured, Torres Strait Islander culture will suffer. Our culture, as represented in this image by a woven mat symbol, has already weakened, but its holds strong in preservation.

Journey Paddles:

The Journey Paddles separating the three sections of the image refer to the decisions we can each make to ensure balanced decisions are made and our culture survives.

Can cultural shifts through acceptance be made by all of us?" 

- Laurie Nona 

LAURIE NONA | 'Dhangalaw Thamai (Culture shift)' | Linocut print | 2015 | Edition of 5 | 200.4 (h) x 118.4 (w) cm