Wap (dugong harpoon)
Date2011
Object number00055705
NameSculpture
MediumThul wood, cassowary feathers
DimensionsOverall (including feathers): 880 × 350 × 350 mm, 303 g
ClassificationsCeremonial artefact
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Michael and Diane Kershaw
DescriptionWooden wap (dugong harpoon) by Job Kusu. Cassowary feathers are attached to the top of the wap and two rows of diamond shaped engravings appear below the feathers. A creature’s face is engraved on the handle using the bulb as a head.
A full scale wap is usually around three metres long and is designed to deliver the detachable barbed tip with such force as to drive the barbs deep in the thick hide of the dugong and not pull out under pressure.
This wap accompanies the Nath, 00055704.HistoryDugongs were traditionally hunted from a Nath (dugong hunting platform) which was constructed out of mangrove poles and positioned above sea grass beds, a feeding place for the dhangal (dugong). Hunting at night and above the dhangal, men would use the wap and to attach the tip (kuurr – traditionally made of hardwood from the baidam tulu tree but since early contact made from iron and particularly old metal files) and pierce the back of the dhangal. Rope attached to the wap ensured the dhangal did not escape and could be followed by 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. Hunting dugong from the Nath ceased in the late 1940s and was only done occasionally and mainly for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
