Description
The dugong spirits in this etching are associated with custom and magic. In this story, two men go out hunting. They are not allowed to sleep with their wives on the night before they leave. They are looking for dugong for an initiation ceremony. Dennis has drawn the lower dugong as the canoe the men are travelling in. Custom dictates that while they are looking for their prey, the men must not look back at the island. On the day of the hunt, their wives must not clean their house. The custom that is being followed in this delightful small etching is called Zug Ngurrpai. The artist made the key plate while working with Basil Hall Editions in 2007.
The print is presented in a handsome folio (see illustration) which makes it interesting gift that gives an insight to Torres Strait Islander culture.
