George Nona

There are many forms of Torres Strait headdresses. In the Western Islands these headdresses are called dhoeris. Historically dhoeris were worn during ceremony, rituals and tribal wars, while today there are only worn by dancers on ceremonial occasions. The form of dhoeri I have created was once used during traditional ceremonies and war. I have constructed a dhoeri very similar to the ones that were made in the past. This particular dhoeri represents the four winds; Sager (South East), Kuki (North West), Nay Gay (North East) & Zey (South West). These four winds are a vital element to the Islanders. To make this type of dhoeri is very rare, as some of these techniques and designs have been lost over time; and the practice of the corresponding ceremonies and rituals are very infrequent in today’s modern society. Songs and dances connect this dhoeri to the four winds which is a natural phenomenon that islanders relate to physically, mentally and spiritually. Sorcery plays an uppermost role in this type of headdress. The feathers are cut like fish tails, representing the fish that inhabit the waters around the islands that we hunt in daily. Cowry shells were once a currency used by Torres Strait Islanders during the headhunting days. Cassowary feathers are incorporated for totemic or spiritual reasons. The specific details of these dhoeris and rituals have been handed down orally through generations, referred to as Adhimin Tiday (in parables). I cannot disclose the finer details and specific meanings behind this dhoeri for cultural reasons.