Nath (Dugong hunting platform)
Date2011
Object number00055704
NameSculpture
MediumThul wood, bees wax, bush rope, mangrove sap
DimensionsOverall: 665 × 675 × 930 mm
ClassificationsCeremonial artefact
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Michael and Diane Kershaw
DescriptionMaquette of a Nath (dugong hunting platform) by Job Kusu. The platform is made of a wooden slab atop crossed wooden poles that are attached with bees wax and bush rope.
Hunting dugong from the Nath ceased in the late 1940s. It was only done occasionally and mainly for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.HistoryA full scale Nath would originally be built of mangrove poles and twine, likely made from coconut fibre.
Positioned above the water over a sea grass bed, the hunter would stand on the platform at night and wait for dhangal (dugong) to come and feed. Light reflected from the dhangal's breathing bubbles showed the hunter when to strike. Using a wap (harpoon) the hunter would spear the dugong and await assistance from other men in a canoe.
SignificanceThe dugong hunting process is steeped in ceremony and rituals which included special preparations by the hunter and particular observances by his wife and children. This Nath by by Job Kusu is a spiritual and cultural interpretation of Men's Practices from the Torres Strait.
