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Weres (sardine scoop)
Weres (sardine scoop)

Weres (sardine scoop)

Date2014
Object number00055241
NameSculpture
MediumGhost net (reclaimed fishing net and rope), polypropylene, rope and twine, steel frame
DimensionsOverall: 2800 × 1150 × 1150 mm, 25000 g
Copyright© Erub Arts
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection purchased by the ANMM Foundation with the generous support of The Hon Justice Anthe Philippides, Supreme Court of Queensland
DescriptionA weres (sardine scoop) made by Erub artists from Darnley Island in the Torres Strait using ghost-net. Ghost-nets are nets discarded by fisherman at sea that continue to float, often entangling turtles, dugong and other marine animals, before washing up on the shore. In northern Australia where the problem is acute, local artists are using ghost-nets as a medium for highlighting the problem, creating stunning works of animals caught in the nets and works that reflect cultural stories and ways of life in the Torres Strait Islands. This weres has a welded steel frame, wrapped in net with pek (bamboo slats) and remodelled rope used to to create the sides. The Erub artists involved with this piece are Milla Anson, Emma Gela, Florence Gutchen, Lavinia Ketchell, Nancy Kiwat, Nancy Naawi Racy Oui-Pitt, Alma Sailor, Ellarose Savage and Jimmy Thaiday. HistoryWeres 2014, is constructed from derelict and abandoned fishing nets known as ghost-net. These fishing nets drift the oceans currents indiscriminately catching and killing marine life, delivering a devastating impact on coastlines and reefs along the north of Australia. Weres is a traditional fishing tool used to scoop schooling sardines. Men would wade into the water holding the epi (handle) and with the beating of werir (sardine directors) the sardines would be chased through the opening (kerem pek) into the bamboo scoop. The words from a traditional weres song which is danced at celebrations sits alongside a circling mass of sardines. "Adar Wed Kara kebeli e – e eat aba naba kauare ge (my small boy come to go around the back) Koki apekem tup areme (North West side to scoop sardines) Nawarinoko au megipelie (while they’re there close to the beach) Kab Wed Weres were – o – o Tupmi akemlare ami damelare (Scoop the sardines and fill the basket) Tupmi akemlare ami damelare - e – e Aisare nabakaure wehge – e paitare (Grab everything and bring to the sand beach and tip the weres over)". - Erub Arts, Erub Erwer Meta Torres Strait Islander Corporation. SignificanceUsing a cross-cultural and collaborative model Erub Arts is leading the way in large sculptural forms constructed using Ghost Net, producing woven, wrapped and twined statements about traditional and contemporary island life.

This supersized weres speaks not only of traditional practices, but how with the up sizing of boats, fishing gear and nets the worlds oceans are being scoured by super-trawlers taking everything in their path – this weres is a stark reminder that the mandate for sustainable, responsible fishing belongs to all people.