Milledge, Russell J (2008) Danalgaw Gidhal (stories about life). In: O'Connell, Rae, (ed.) Billy Missi: Urapun Kai Buai: Contemporary lino prints from the Torres Strait. KickArts Contemporary Arts, Cairns, QLD, Australia, pp. 8-10.

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Abstract

For Zenadh-Kes men of the Maluiligal, who are people of the deep water passages around Mabuiag and Badu Islands, listening to stories retold by Wadhuam, the uncles in an extended family, is the traditional method of gaining kinship knowledge. Clan totems are those of land and sea creatures including: the Dhangal (Dugong); the Koedal (Crocodile); the Thaabu (Snake) and the Kaygas (Shovel-nosed Ray) (Eseli 1998). Listening to stories about significant events and practices is a way to learn important knowledge about survival. Many of the Wadhuam stories identify food and vegetation, describing the plants as they change through the seasons and the interrelationships within the ecology of territorial land and sea. As one of the oldest seafaring cultures, navigation by the tides, star constellations, cloud formations and surface patterns of the sea, are pertinent skills that continue to have currency for Zenadh-Kes survival today. This implicit relationship between culture and environment indicates the specialised and important nature of oral kinship storytelling traditions in the Torres Strait.

Item ID:	10065
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-09803402-1-1
Related URLs:	Publisher
Date Deposited:	19 Apr 2010 23:44
FoR Codes:	19 STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 1905 Visual Arts and Crafts > 190502 Fine Arts (incl Sculpture and Painting) @ 100%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9501 Arts and Leisure > 950104 The Creative Arts (incl. Graphics and Craft) @ 100%
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