Dugong were an integral part of life throughout the Torres Strait. They were an important food source and the subject of ceremony and folk lore.

The print depicts dugong rib bones which are reminiscent of the shape of a canoe from which the animals were hunted and also the animal itself.

The group of bones makes reference the place where the animals were eaten. These feasting and ceremonial sites are evident today on the artist’s island of Badu.

The patterning or Minar in the etching is a contemporary interpretation of that seen carved into traditional masks, drums, weapons and other artefacts and items of personal adornment.