Oceania
Torres Strait
Dugong Hunting Charm
Wood, stone, sennit, pigment
H. 9 in. (22.9 cm)
Raymond and Laura Wielgus Collection

The aquatic mammal known as the dugong is an important source of protein for the islanders of the Torres Strait, the narrow band of water between New Guinea and Australia. Carvings of dugong were believed to ensure success in dugong hunting. This charm depicts two animals: a smaller carving of a calf has been placed on the back of the larger dugong. Catching both a dugong and her calf was considered particularly lucky, since it provided additional meat.