Badhulgaw Kuthinaw Mudh

Torres Strait Islander Art from Badu Island
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Laurie Nona Badu Art Centre boingu nuirai

Boingu Nuirai

LAURIE NONA

Size: 77cm X 57cm

Medium: Lino Print

Category: Art Prints / Etchings

$310.00 (Incl GST)

Boingu Nurrai (Coconut Leaf Weaving) Coconut leaves are important us islanders – in our everyday life and culture. When we have a big coming together of families for tombstone openings or celebrations, the whole island would get together and prepare for the event. We use coconut leaves for many different purposes such as table decorations, bowls and decorating community buildings to give them the island feel;. When I was young, I remember eagerly waiting with anticipation for the blessing of the food at the table. Uncles and aunties would have spent the day preparing the feast including weaving for cooking and decorations for the table – small grasshoppers, fish, windmills, stars, hats, and birds. These decorations would be set on the table and while the food was being laid out, I would already have my eyes on my favourite, usually a fish like the one in this print, which would then be put on the end of a coconut leaf spine. Other favourites of mine were the grasshopper or windmill. The blessing would take place and we young ones would respectfully wait in silence then stand in line while the coconut leaf toys were handed out for the children to play with.