Motnu (Dugong) “Manatee” Ancestral Deity - motnu - Aboriginal - Australia (No Reserve Price)

Lovely Australian Aboriginal Carved & Pigmented Motnu (Dugong) “Manatee” Ancestral Deity Early 20c

A carved wooden motnu (dugong) Dugongs are a favoured food source for Indigenous communities and therefore appear as totems and in Dreamtime stories and Creation myths. Indigenous people respect the food resources that sustain them and they celebrate the turtle in rituals that aim to increase the bounty of the species.

Indigenous Australians have fished for cultural and ceremonial reasons for as long as they have lived by coastal waters. Fish are important to Aboriginal people in their daily life, not only as a food source for basic nutrition, but fish and fish habitats also have a strong social, economic and educational value for Aboriginal communities. Fish are extremely important to many Indigenous communities as a food source, particularly in more remote areas and communities where alternative food supply is limited. Fish are caught to supplement the diet not only for health reasons but also for economic and practical reasons. Fishing and hunting are an important component of many cultural, ceremonial and social events varying from entertaining visiting relatives to specific traditional requirements and ceremonies. This knowledge is passed down to younger generations as part of an education process in culture and in practical subsistance. Sharing of fish or large marine animal is important socially and communally. Catches of fish are shared among the family, extended family and others who are not able to fish for themselves, such as the older members. Sharing often extends to barter and exchange of fish for other items and other food sources within other communities. This network is connected to the traditional responsibilities of land management and kinship.

Fishing and hunting are vital elements of coastal Indigenous communities. There are varying methods of fishing and trapping dugong or turtle - spears, nets, line, hand and traps.

This is in good complete original condition, the only damage are three age related and sun exposure cracks, one running length of body, one on side of face and a tiny one on fin, there is no movement to these whatsoever and are rock solid firm

Patches and traces of red and white pigmentation are still visible which would have covered this light yet obviously strong native wood

Rare to find this large, early, original honest complete example with a wonderful patina all stone chipped cut and chiselled

Obvious patches of wear and surface scratches which are all historic and consummate with age and use

Approximate dimensions:
Length 32.5cms
Width 8cms by 5.5cms
Weight 243g


Provenance: reputable UK private collection

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