Alag Op
$120.00
Alag Op, it is a part of a sacred ritual belonging to the Sailor families of Erub (Darnley Island).
| Dimensions | 32 × 38 cm |
|---|---|
| Editions | 12/50, 13/50, 17/50, 18/50, 19/50, 20/50, 21/50, 24/50, 25/50, 26/50, 27/50, 28/50, 29/50, 30/50, 31/50, 32/50, 33/50, 34/50 |
Alag Op, it is a part of a sacred ritual belonging to the Sailor families of Erub (Darnley Island). The mask is made out of dry abal (pandanus) and it is only worn during the traditional sporting game of Alag Segur or when Alag dance is performed. There are three different these can be made, that identifies which part of the island and a certain Alag is from. Koki (Western Village) is long and bent, Sager (Eastern Village) is long and straight and Ziai (middle village) is short and straight. My print depicts the Ziai Op. I find this story to be very interesting for me to tell, for I have been involved in dressing up as an alag, took part in alag segur and also performed the dance.
Jimmy Kenny Thaiday
I was born in Cairns and grew up on Erub (Darnley Island) in the Eastern Torres Strait. My Tribal clan is Peiudu, one of four tribes on Erub. Art has always been part of my life; it is something I like doing and expressing myself through. My inspiration for my artwork is from my heritage, livelihood the environment in which I live, and the cultural traditions that have been passed on through generations that have influenced my work. My family has always encouraged my art practice, giving me confidence and motivation to keep developing my ideas and techniques.
