Saltwater Bagu
Date2016
Object number00054943
NameSculpture
MediumAluminium frame, commercial grade vinyl with image, synthetic rope, glue and fishing braid
DimensionsOverall: 3400 × 900 × 40 mm
Copyright© Alison Murray
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA three dimensional sculpture of a Saltwater Bagu by Alison Murray. It appears in the shape of giant squid sitting on a pole, with the body covered in a printed vinyl with a colour image of tree roots of a mangrove. The body has a red, blue, green, white and yellow net over it and three silver circular reflectors following a straight line. The head has two silver circular reflectors for eyes.
"Mangroves are mostly around the mouth of rivers and creeks. They grow on the land and the sea. It's where the fish breed and sometimes there is rubbish that ends up in there. It needs to be looked after. If you keep the land clean the fish will stay healthy and the fish will taste allright."
Artist statement, Alison Murray, Girramay Traditional OwnerHistoryThe form and imagery of the Bagu with Jiman artwork has its origins in the sky. A mystical spirit of fire, would throw the jiman (firesticks) across the sky and a trail of fire would follow. The Bagu is an important tool, it tells the story of culture about fire and water. Things we need for basic survival. They tell the story of water, where there is life there is water.
Based on the traditional fire making implements of the Girringun rainforest Aboriginal people, the artists have created artworks to evoke the spirit of the old people.
Traditionally, the firesticks were made up of two parts, the Bagu (body) and Jiman (sticks). Bagu is normally made from the boogadilla (milky pine tree) and Jiman are made from mudja (wild guava tree) or jiman. The Bagu form was founded in the shape of a man, and a spirit design was created with traditional clays and the ochre colours are magera yellow, jillan, black with wallaby blood and garba white.
In 2009 the Bagu figure was seized upon as the perfect cultural symbol to carry the stories and customs. While there were occasional exceptions to the rule, making the traditional Bagu was normally a male preserve. A group discussion between artists and community elders saw permission granted for ther Bagu to take new form in the hands of artists of both sexes.SignificanceThis sculpture by Alison Murray provides a contemporary view of Aboriginal culture and their connection to their saltwater and freshwater environment, their cultural stories and need to address environmental issues affecting their waterways and way of life.
Water management is a significant issue facing the traditional land owners of Queensland. The reference to Bagu, a fire making tool, alludes to the charcoal from the bush burns and land management which would also purify the water, but how can that work today with our waterways full of rubbish and debris. The Bagu's belly is now full of rubbish so it no longer has the ability to purify.
