Thuranagay Dhoeri

Maker Alick Tipoti (1975)

Date2020

Object number00056321

NameSculpture

MediumCane, eagle feathers, pearl shell, rope, raffia

DimensionsOverall: 1020 × 650 × 50 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Alick Tipoti

Terms

DescriptionThuranagay Dhoeri (Guards Headdress) by Alick Tipoti.HistoryThis Thuranagay Dhoeri is a re-envisioning of the tradition headdresses worn by warriors. They were charged with keeping a look out from the hill tops. Each island group had its own design which was highly symbolic. On this Dhoeri, the feather clippings represent schools of fish in a frenzy at sea, known as 'wapiw thabilpalayzi maalu' in Tipoti's language. The two round pearl shells refer to 'eyes wide open', keeping lookout at all times the warrior is on duty. The pattern on the bome (forehead frame of the headdress) is a suckerfish, or gapu kuyk, head. This can be seen as a constelattion towards the end of the year. The dhibadhib, or pearl necklace, represents Dhangkisay, the crescent moon.SignificanceThe Thuranagay Dhoeri or Guard's headdress provides an important example of the role that Torres Strait Islander artist, Alick Tipoti, has played in preserving traditional practices. In its use of materials and construction it is highly symbolic, revealing the importance these First Nations peoples placed on the sea, the stars and the moon. The feather clippings represent schools of fish in a frenzy, the pattern on the bome (forehead frame of the headress) is a head of the suckerfish or gapu kuyk which is a constellation seen towards the end of the year and the dhibadhib or necklace is the crescent moon.