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Marine Bagu

Date2016

Object number00054945

NameSculpture

MediumRecycled timber mooring post, marine grade acrylic paint and varnish, reflectors

DimensionsOverall: 2810 × 200 × 200 mm, 60 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA three dimensional Marine Bagu sculpture by Clarence Kinjun. It comprises a marine grade, recycled timber post with a blue, white, black and yellow design all along the pole. A rectangle on the front has been left unpainted, showing the nature of the post. On the top, two circular red reflectors for eyes. "The Gulnay design and patterns on this Bagu represent the connection between the land and the sea. Blue for the sea, yellow for the sand, white for the white caps of the sea and black which represents our connection to the sea and land in the Tully area". Artists statement, Clarence Kinjun, Gulnay Traditional OwnerHistoryThe form and imagery of the Bagu with Jiman artwork has its origins in the sky. A mystical spirit of fire, would throw the jiman (firesticks) across the sky and a trail of fire would follow. The Bagu is an important tool, it tells the story of culture about fire and water. Things we need for basic survival. They tell the story of water, where there is life there is water. Based on the traditional fire making implements of the Girringun rainforest Aboriginal people, the artists have created artworks to evoke the spirit of the old people. Traditionally, the firesticks were made up of two parts, the Bagu (body) and Jiman (sticks). Bagu is normally made from the boogadilla (milky pine tree) and Jiman are made from mudja (wild guava tree) or jiman. The Bagu form was founded in the shape of a man, and a spirit design was created with traditional clays and the ochre colours are magera yellow, jillan, black with wallaby blood and garba white. In 2009 the Bagu figure was seized upon as the perfect cultural symbol to carry the stories and customs. While there were occasional exceptions to the rule, making the traditional Bagu was normally a male preserve. A group discussion between artists and community elders saw permission granted for ther Bagu to take new form in the hands of artists of both sexes.SignificanceThis sculpture by Clarence Kinjun provides a contemporary view of Aboriginal culture and their connection to their saltwater and freshwater environment, their cultural stories and need to address environmental issues affecting their waterways and way of life.
Water management is a significant issue facing the traditional land owners of Queensland. The reference to Bagu, a fire making tool, alludes to the charcoal from the bush burns and land management which would also purify the water, but how can that work today with our waterways full of rubbish and debris. The Bagu's belly is now full of rubbish so it no longer has the ability to purify.