| My father taught me traditional dance, song and about Thap Yongk. Knowing the dances of my clan is important for proving ownership of country. Our law poles are an upside down tree with roots pointing to the sky. They represent the Kugu Uwanh and Kugu Muminh tribes. We are saltwater people who share a common language but live in a different country. I remember growing up in Aurukun and watching my father dance around a Thap Yongk. When he danced around the pole he was declaring this land belonged to our Kugu tribe. His dance reminds us of Kugu law. Kugu law tells us to respect ownership of country and totems. We used to cremate or bury our dead around Thap Yongk. When an outsider came and saw our poles they knew this was a very sacred place for us. Outsiders are welcome to view Thap Yongk as long as they are accompanied by a traditional owner. White culture would call it a monument to our dead. Some of these sites have been used for thousands of years. |
| Artist: Katherine Ngallametta |
| Limited Edition Etching on Paper. 90 x 32 cm |
| Price includes postage within Australia |