Danagi Waaru

Artist Alick Tipoti (1975)

Date2015

Object number00055699

NameSculpture

MediumFibreglass, resin, ghost net, paint, Giant Trumpet (Syrinx aruana, Family Turbinellidae)

DimensionsOverall: 520 × 1240 × 1480 mm, 30 kg
Total length with netting 5.4 metres
Display dimensions 2020 (turtle only): 1480 length x 1250 wide (flipper to flipper) x 650mm off the wall
Display dimensions 2020 (netting); 2780 length (fliper to end), 1520 high mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection purchased by the ANMM Foundation

Terms

DescriptionA fibreglass sculpture by Alick Tipoti titled Danagi Waaru/Waru. It depicts a waaru (sea turtle) tangled in a fishing net. The shell of the waaru has been carved out and incised and inside is a white Giant Trumpet shell (Syrinx aruana). HistoryGreen turtles have a high social and economic value, as they are a part of the traditional diet in the Torres Strait Islands and are culturally significant as a direct connection with the sea. The process of hunting sea life, including sea turtles, and sharing of the meat has great significance and is a further expression of the long cultural traditions. Turtle shell is also important to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, used in both utilitarian objects and cultural objects such as masks. Managing ocean resources has been essential to the survival of Torres Strait Islander people and the continuation of their strong cultural traditions. The appearance of ghost nets (abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear) has been of great concern. These floating nets and rope can have a disastrous effect on marine life, trapping and killing not only sea life but also causing irreparable damage to marine environments such as coral and mangroves. In this piece Danagi Waatu, Tipoti illustrates the impact ghost nets have had on local turtle species and the cut out and incised patterns on the back of the Waaru represent the cultural protocols including sea management plans that are in place to maintain a sustainable food source for future generations. SignificanceDanagi Waaru references the current threat to the green turtle that has been integral to the culture and sustainability of all Torres Strait Islanders for thousands of years.