DN059

This print relates to an important ceremony carried out by the Rain Sorcerer when the wells have dried up. The bottom half of the print shows a big mushroom cloud rising on the horizon (begai). It also represents Badu Island’s parliamentary house (kwod), where the sorcerers and chiefs decide together when the rain should come. They decide to call on the Rain Sorcerer to bring the rain and he stands on top of the kwod conducting business. The frogs at the top represent rain clouds. They chant with the Rain Sorcerer until finally the rain comes down. It can be seen running from the third frog down to the largest frog at the base of the image. This frog indicates that the rain has finally come. Rain is important in the Torres Strait for watering the bush vegetables which are an important source of food all year round.