Description
This Dari originates from Mer (Murray Island) in the Eastern Torres Strait. It depicts a young boy undergoing his initiation process by the Girgiri Le (Parrot Men).
The Girgiri Le were one of a group of men performing in the Bomai Malo ceremonies on Murray Island. These Girgiri Le would perform KabKar (dances) by clapping shredded bamboo sticks together, signifying screeches made by the flocks of parrots in the trees.
The Mai (pearl shell disc) is worn only by the Girgiri Le during performances. The colours on the Mai reflect the stunning colours of the Parrots. The mask hides the dancer’s face from onlookers as he is not ready to be seen by others.
According to my grandfather, the late Tat Korsor Mabo (Cultural Elder of Elders), my Great Great Grandfather composed a ceremonial chant sung towards the Girgiri Le performers. He would have Derem (sing unto) the Girgiri as he would have had some connection to them. People would Derem (sing unto) their Lubabat (totem), this would have meant that I have a strong connection to the Girgiri Le and this work that I have created portrays my connection to it.
