Kazi Laig

Date2015

Object number00055339

NameLino Cut Print

MediumLino Print

DimensionsOverall (Framed): 1180 × 829 × 35 mm, 5530 g

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionA lino print by David Bosun tilted 'Kazi Laig'. The black and white print depicts two dugongs, one male one pregnant female, swimming in the ocean at night. David Bosun is an artist from Moa Island, Torres Strait and in this work he recounts the cultural lessons and hunting practices taught to him by his late father. He was also taught about the environmental impacts a hunter must be aware of in this region. 'Kazi Laig' are words from the artist David Bosun’s language - Kala Lagaw Ya, meaning 'with child' or 'pregnant'. HistoryArtist’s Statement: "I have strong cultural beliefs and draw inspiration from the spiritual realm. It gives me personal strength and it comes from beyond this world. I have learnt all this from my elders who are very spiritual and sacred people and who I respect greatly. I demonstrate this respect in many ways including through the creation of visual art and in dance." -David Bosun, Ngalmun Lagau Minaral Arts – Art of Mua Island in the Torres Strait. The story in this lino print shares David Bosun's personal account on a dugong hunting trip with his father when he was ten years old. On this trip they unfortunately speared a pregnant dugong. David’s father told him that spearing a female should try and be avoided. Dugongs are usually able to reproduce by the age of nine or ten years though sometimes not until as late as 15 years. A female dugong can only have one calf every three to seven years and the pregnancy lasts 12 - 14 months. To keep the new born calf safe from sharks the female will move to shallow waters. When she is ready to give birth the estimated size of a new born is slightly more than a metre in length and usually between 25 - 30 kilos in weight. Mothers will nurse their young up to 18 months and the calf may stay with its mother for up to two years. SignificanceThrough this print David Bosun reflects the cultural lessons and hunting practices taught to him by his father on a dugong hunting trip when he was ten years old. His father told him of the environmental impacts a hunter must be aware of in this region and celestial navigation.