Coral trout on trochus shell
Date1993
Object number00018110
NameSculpture
MediumWongai wood, trochus shell
Dimensions130 mm, 0.5 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionCarved coral trout on trochus shell made as an ornament from wongai wood known locally as "Withy". The scales are depicted as incised dots, coral trouts are often known as leopard trout for their distinctive spotted body.HistoryWooden carvings are a common form of Torres Strait Islander art. Often they depict images of animals which may be food sources or totems. Coral trout are native to the pacific region, Torres Strait Islander people have lived and continue to live off many of the different fish species that inhabit the area.Significance- A common food source in the Torres Strait- Ornamental object which shows great Torres Strait Islander wood carving skills
c 1994
c 1994
Walter Stackpool
1977 - 1984
Before 1857
