Description
Tagai is the Miriam name of the constellation of stars, which Zenadh Kes (Torres Strait) Islanders navigate by from island to island, and use like a calendar. Tagai is seen as a figure in this print, standing in his canoe with outstretched arms. Guided by the stars, he points to the Southern Cross with his spear. The coming of Tagai tells us when the winds change and monsoon rains are about to come, telling us that the mating season for turtles and dugongs is coming. The sighting of Tagai tells us it is time for planting our gardens and many other important aspects of daily life.