Dennis Nona

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.