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Baidam Tulu (Wattle Tree), 2011

The harpoon is a significant tool in the skilled and often dangerous pursuit of Dugong and Turtle in the waters of the Torres Strait where this hunting is allowed for cultural purposes as is our tradition.

The harpoon can be made from various hardwoods but the preferred source as taught by our forefathers is the Baidam Tulu – a native species of wattle which grows on Mua Island. Depicted within my minaral (patterns and design) are a Dugong, Turtle, two turtle shell masks used to emphasise the cultural significance of the Baidam Tulu. Also revealed is my totem, the Shovel-nosed Shark.

PRINTMAKER: Andrew Sinclair and the artist

Categories: Moa Arts

Name: Solomon Booth


Language: Kala Lagaw Ya, Creole


Community: Kubin


Biography:

Solomon resides in his motherland of Kubin Village on Moa Island in the beautiful Torres Strait, located between mainland Australia and Papua New Guinea.  He has lived here since he was 15 years old. 

Solomon spent his early years in Darwin in the Northern Territory. As a child he had a fascination with art and drawing. Solomon finished his schooling in Townsville Queensland.

In 2000, renowned artist Dennis Nona asked Solomon to join the Mualgal Minarral Artist Collective.  The collective later evolved into the Moa Arts - Ngalmun Lagau Minaral Art Centre.

Solomon has completed the ATSI Visual ARTS Certificate and Cert IV Training and Assessment.

He was the founding Committee member for the Moa Arts - Ngalmun Lagau Minaral Art Centre, a role he takes seriously and with great pride and purpose. “This is a most exciting time in my career” he says.

Solomon states: “Inspired by the beautiful surroundings of my island home my works draw upon Torres Strait and Melanesian influences."

“Our ancestors were master craftsmen creating ceremonial and other utilitarian objects from wood. This is why I find Linocut ideal, because it has a sense of displaying one’s articulate style of carving."

“The ideas and themes that I produce in my artwork are based on the rich lifestyle and livelihood of our ancestors and the myths and legends and beliefs of our forefathers and mothers. This is where I feel inspired to be a part of recording my people’s cultural heritage visually and proud to showcase this knowledge to the world.”


© the artist / art centre