Description
The plate used for this print was cut in the shape of a person s back. In the summer time, when it s very hot in the Torres Strait, special leaves are placed on the back to soothe and heal boils. The moon-shaped leaves (Tukarr) are found inland, and the heart-shaped leaves (Pul) are found along the coast. They are steamed in shell containers and then pressed onto the sick person s back. You can see their faint shapes across the print where they have been pressed onto the skin. The little black marks represent the painful sores. The wash is olive green – the same colour as the juice from the leaves.
