Description
This is a vitally important story for Torres Strait Islanders as it represents their main totems which many people have a strong association with. It helps to explain life as an Islander and is considered a sacred creation story.
Artist’s statement:
There were once four brothers, Malu, Sigai, Kulka and Sau. Each of them was a powerful man, well-versed in magic. Sigai went to Iama (Yam) Island. He took on the form of a Kurrs (Hammerhead shark) and became the God of War. Main is Sigai’s wife – she is the Kodal (Crocodile). In this image you can see all the animals in the small clan on Iama Island, like the Sam (Cassowary), Umai (Dog), Ger (Sea Snake), Tabu (Snake), Gaynaw (Torres Strait Pigeon). All the small clans were under Sigai and Main. My father was from the Kurrs Clan and the hammerhead shark is my augud (totem).
