Signed certificate of authenticity.

Frame not included

Gelam is a well-known story throughout the Torres Strait Islands about a mother and son dugong.
There are many versions of the story of Gelam. This piece is my interpretation of the story that I was told from my elders whilst growing up –
Gelam left his mother after having a disagreement, after looking at other islands he looked to make a home at Erub (Darnley Island) but he turned and looked back and could still see his mother, so he kicked his tail and turned around and that’s where oorzie kes was formed (Deep water passage). He then swam and created the channel to Mer (Murray Island) and looked back and could no longer see his mother, so this is where he stayed and where he still lays today.
I have carved patterns into the dugong tail which represent his movements as told in this story.

This artwork is currently available from Bluethumb's Melbourne gallery in Bridge Rd, Richmond.