Description
Gubau Wurau translates as Wind Bird in the artist’s language. The birds depicted in the print are Woomerr or Frigate birds. During calm weather the birds are seen flying very high in the sky. At times they will drop down and fly very close to the surface of the water. When this happens the Islanders know that in a few days they can expect strong winds, which are called Koigubaka. If the birds do not drop down all the way to the water’s surface they know that the change in the weather will not be as severe. When the birds resume their position high up in the sky it indicates that calm weather is on its way.
