10 DN053
Dennis Nona Awai Tithuyil 2004
Linocut Kaidaral Paper 1540 x 1200mm Framed 1610 x 1300mm $6500
Awai Tithuyil is the western Torres Strait Island name for the Pelican constellation. This particular group of
stars was known to traditional Badu Island astronomers who are called Zugubau Mabaigal. The Pelican
constellation consists of 26 stars. It's location from the Torres Strait Islands is south of the Australian mainland
which is known as Naigai dagam. This constellation is seen throughout the year, mostly in an inverted position.
From August through October it begins to rotate reaching an upright position in September where it looks to be
floating. When the Pelican is in the upright position it is the season for turtle mating. This season is called
Naigai. It is also the season for a very popular Torres Strait Island fruit called Wangai, which is known as Ubar
in western Torres Strait language. In this print the Awai Tithuyil is shown in the position it assumes during the
turtle mating season which is referred to as Saulal Au Tonar. The two turtles are depicted mating. The man
positioned above the turtle's shell is a spirit figure who is the custodian of the stars known as Zugubau Mabaig.
The Zugubau Mabaig is showing the Awai Tithuyil to the next generation which are represented by the five
human figures below him.

Medium: Linocut Kaidaral
Edition Size: 45
Printer: Theo Tremblay and Dennis Nona
Studio: Editions Tremblay NFP, Cairns TAFE, Cairns Qld.
Linocut Kaidaral Created At: Brisbane, QLD on August, 2004
Print Published: Cairns Qld. On August, 2004
Paper: Saunders medium cotton paper, 350gsm, England
Paper Height: 1,540 mm ( 60.6" )
Paper Width: 1,200 mm ( 47.2" )
Image Height: 1,250 mm ( 49.2" )
Image Width: 1,060 mm ( 41.7" )
I.D. : DN053