Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to all!
This adorable turkey comes from the Little Bebe, our youngest grandson who lives in Ottawa.
He clearly has precocious talent in the artistic department -
(possibly aided by 'somebody' at day care)..
A feathered headdress by George Nona (b.1971) of Badu Island, Torres Strait, the sea between Queensland and New Guinea.
Correctly known as a ceremonial dhoeri, it is made from cane, bamboo, string with natural pigments, bees wax, shell, seed, eagle and heron feathers, in techniques not seen for almost a century.
The dhoeri appear on the flag of the Torres Strait people, and the image is used to signify cultural ownership and pride.
Currently on display at the Queensland Art Gallery.
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| George Nona: War headdress, 2007-08 |
Correctly known as a ceremonial dhoeri, it is made from cane, bamboo, string with natural pigments, bees wax, shell, seed, eagle and heron feathers, in techniques not seen for almost a century.
The dhoeri appear on the flag of the Torres Strait people, and the image is used to signify cultural ownership and pride.
Currently on display at the Queensland Art Gallery.
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| Yessie Mosby: Sikausagal (Dance of the waves and foam) dance instruments, 2011 |
Hand-held feathered dance objects were used by women in a dance about the currents and the tide running simultaneously in namunamu (the passageway between islands), making 'boxing' waves with turbulent foam on top, which appear from a distance as another island or a mirage.
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The Torres Strait Islanders are a different people from the indigenous Australian Aboriginal people.
Masks, headdresses and hand-held devices are vital in Torres Strait cultural life, appearing at ceremonies expressing important aspects of their culture and identity through song and dance.
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Remember Little Aussie and his dolphin?
You might think us irreverent, but on our travels through the art museums of Paris and Italy, Mr C and I amused ourselves seeking out classical sculptures of boys and dolphins.
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It began in the Louvre...
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and the Doge's Palace in Venice..
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where the parameters were widened to include giants with dolphins..
(Ah, Venice..)
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boy and girl on dolphins..
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and dolphins ignoring humans..
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Finally, at Piazza Navona, Rome: Bird on a Dolphin..
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and a very chunky baby wrestling a fish, who may have his foot on a dolphin..
Have a happy week, and be kind to dolphins.
XXXX
The Torres Strait Islanders are a different people from the indigenous Australian Aboriginal people.
Masks, headdresses and hand-held devices are vital in Torres Strait cultural life, appearing at ceremonies expressing important aspects of their culture and identity through song and dance.
Remember Little Aussie and his dolphin?
You might think us irreverent, but on our travels through the art museums of Paris and Italy, Mr C and I amused ourselves seeking out classical sculptures of boys and dolphins.
It began in the Louvre...
and the Doge's Palace in Venice..
where the parameters were widened to include giants with dolphins..
(Ah, Venice..)
and Florence
boy and girl on dolphins..
and dolphins ignoring humans..
Finally, at Piazza Navona, Rome: Bird on a Dolphin..
and a very chunky baby wrestling a fish, who may have his foot on a dolphin..
Have a happy week, and be kind to dolphins.
XXXX
I love the clever connection you have made with dolphins from Little Aussie riding a dolphin to then reaching back into our classical past.
ReplyDeleteIt appears that dolphins have always held a strong attraction for we humans. They appear in a number of Greek myths, were important to the Minoans, and are even part of Hindu mythology.
Thank you Rosemary, we were certainly intrigued by the number of dolphins found in classical statuary from various periods. Perhaps it is their ability to connect and communicate with humans which is the attraction. I didn't know about the Minoans and the Hindu mythology - thank you for filling us in.
DeleteThose headdresses are what caught my eye the most, perhaps because we rarely see them over here. Dolphins, though lovely, are fairly popular subjects for sculpture, though I love the connections you made
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are eye-catching Jenny. Brisbane will host the G20 summit in a few weeks, at a location close to the gallery, so of course the current displays emphasise the cultures of the region.
DeleteI like to make connections: one colour or shape reminds me of another - that's the way I roll....er, blog :)
Yes Dolphins are everywhere in classical sculptures and such a great idea to home in on a subject for photography during your travels. Have a great week Patricia. P x
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised if we missed a few dolphins, but we had fun looking. What began as a small joke became an ongoing amusement as we travelled. You have a great week too, P.
DeleteIt's funny how these themes develop a deux! We play a similar game, called, believe it or not "fish"!
ReplyDeleteYou must miss your Canadian grandson very much, but it's lovely you have one close to home to enjoy.
We do amuse ourselves Sarah Liz. And now you have me curious!
DeleteJust sent off a parcel to Canada for the little one's second birthday; hoping he will open it while we watch on skype. Little Aussie is a joy.
I love your dolphin finding, that is like me looking for pineapples! A fascinating post, thank you. xx
ReplyDeleteAha, pineapples it is ! You might be interested in something purchased in Hong Kong and not shown on the blog: a little black dress printed with green pineapples, also bound for the cutting board for rebirth as a skirt. Glad you enjoyed the dolphin game. xx
DeleteAh Roma and Venice, how wonderful. I'll be in Venice an few weeks, now I am going to look for a dolphin!
ReplyDeleteTabitha.
It was wonderful, Tabitha. I'd go back in a hearbeat. Exciting you will be in Venice; looking forward to you posting about it, and I'm sure you will see many dolphins!
DeleteWhat a fun way to explore the city, with a theme that is close to your heart. You found a lot of examples! Very cool. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun Jennifer, and not something we planned. Just happened as we went along, but now I suppose we will keep doing it when we travel.
DeleteThe very first picture, the Thanksgiving card ( ? ) caught my attention! What fun! Good to see little Aussie too.
ReplyDeleteThe head dresses look mystical, never heard about The Torres Strait Islanders. So much new for me here. I must reread and re- see all the pictures you shared. Thank You!
Yes, it was a Thanksgiving card Mette, and I thought a very clever idea for the little ones.
DeleteThe Torres Strait islands are part of Queensland, and the people are Melanesian with strong cultural links to the sea. I find their contemporary art particularly satisfying. Glad you enjoyed!
Lovely images as usual, Patricia. I visited the Doge's Palace in Venice many years ago and the the other places where Little Aussie is enjoying his ride, I haven't been too. Thanks for sharing and enlightening me on many subjects and faraway (from me) places.
ReplyDeleteHi Debra, I am sure you have wonderful memories of Venice, which is so special and unique. Glad you enjoyed the dolphin ride!
DeleteOh my gosh, I love these statues. Jess and Nel have both been to the Louvre and really enjoyed it. The feathered headdress is so unusual, but very pretty. I smiled when I saw your grandson's turkey that he drew. My kids drew the same art when they little.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you, Patricia. I'm thankful you are such a dear blog friend to me. Our Thanksgiving is in November.
love,
~Sheri
I loved all the statues too, Sheri, in every city we visited. We love the turkey, and I am printing it out to display and admire. I look forward to seeing your Thanksgiving decor in your lovely new home. xx
DeleteA re-occuring theme - mmm very interesting Patricia!
ReplyDeleteLoved your photos from Europe!
Your little Aussie is well prepared for the summer ahead :))
Shane x
Hi Shane, glad you enjoyed the Europe pics.
DeleteLittle Aussie is quite the water baby, swims well now and enjoyed the surf at a recent trip to the beach.
xx
I love your dolphin trail through classical sculpture, Patricia. Such a good way to focus in on detail in different works. The Torres Strait cultural artifacts are totally different but just as interesting and appealing. A lovely pot-pourri of a post. :)
ReplyDeleteThe dolphins were fun, and kept us amused. I suspect it will become a permanent game for we old travellers.
DeleteGlad you like the Torres Strait artifacts - visitors for the G20 will hopefully enjoy them too.