Kisay Dhangal
Date2016
Object number00054952
NameSculpture
MediumBronze with mother-of-pearl inlay
DimensionsOverall: 1940 × 2020 × 1020 mm, 280 kg
Copyright© Alick Tipoti
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with funds from the Sid Faithfull and Christine Sadler program supporting Contemporary Indigenous Maritime Heritage in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands through the ANMM Foundation
DescriptionA bronze sculpture by Alick Tipoti known as Kisay Dhangal.
Inscribed with traditional motifs and pearl shell, Kisay Dhangal reflects the life cycle and feeding patterns of the dhangal (dugong) in the Torres Strait Islands. The dhangal is captured in the position known as San Tidayk, in Kala Lagaw Ya language which marks the moment the mammal flips its tail to dive down and graze on the sea grass beds. A marine dust trail between the tail and figure of the moon emphasize how lunar cycles determine dugong feeding and mating habits.
ANMM Collection Purchased with funds from the Sid Faithfull and Christine Sadler program supporting contemporary Indigenous maritime heritage in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands through the ANMM Foundation.
HistoryThis piece was created for the Taba Naba Australia, Oceania, Arts of the Sea People which opened in Monaco in March 2016.
Torres Strait Islanders have a very close affinity with dhangals and use dhangal fat to produce a number of traditional medicines. The dhangal is also the totem of seven different local tribes. Hunting charms where also made in the shape of a dhangal and symbolises its relationship to the moon and guidance for hunting:
"The hunter would carve the back of a wooden dugong charm hollow as if it was a canoe. He would then place ancestral bones and sea grass obtained from the mouth of a previously killed dugong. When the light of the moon shines on the charm, the hunter waiting with his wap (harpoon) whispers a sacred chant that lead the dugong to the nath (hunter's platform). When there is no moon, a different chant acknowledges the phosphorescence created by the dugong when exhaling underwater. The phosphorescence enables hunters to pinpoint the exact position on the dugong where the wap must enter the mammal".SignificanceThis contemporary work by Alick Tipoti inscribed with traditional motifs and stories reflects on the life cycle and feeding patterns of the dhangal in the Torres Strait while also focusing on the environmental impact modern day society is having on their habitat. The sculpture also emphasises how lunar cycles determine dhangal feeding and mating habits.
3D model link
