Zugu Bau Titui

‘From the time of our forefathers, astrology has always been a significant factor in our existence in Zedath Kes (Torres Strait). The constellation depicted in my artwork is taught from our forefathers as the Baidham Titui and its traditional name is the Zugu Bau Titui. This constellation only appears in ours skies for six months of the year, from February to July. It is used as a seasonal calendar to guide the hunting of traditional seafood and acts in sync with the phases of the moon. ‘Also depicted is a dugong platform called a noat. Noats or sea-going mat-sail canoes, harpoons and bamboo spears were once used by our ancestors as traditional methods when hunting for dugong. I have also shown my totem, the shovel-nose shark.’ (Ngalmun Lagau Minaral Arts) © Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory