DN080

The plate used for this print was cut in the shape of a person’s back. In the summer time, when it’s very hot in the Torres Strait, special leaves are placed on the back to soothe and heal boils. The moon-shaped leaves (Tukarr) are found inland, and the heart-shaped leaves (Pul) are found along the coast. They are steamed in shell containers and then pressed onto the sick person’s back. You can see their faint shapes across the print where they have been pressed onto the skin. The little black marks represent the painful sores. The wash is olive green – the same colour as the juice from the leaves.