GTIAA 2025 Entry
Artist: Abia Ishmael Gibuma
Artwork Title: Pearling Lugger Boat- Carving
Medium: 3D sculpture: Wongai wood, wire, twine, copper iron, nails, linen, acrylic paint, cutting board, glue, varnish
Year: 2025
Story
The Legacy of the Lugger Boats: A Story of the Torres Strait
Long ago, before modern ships roamed the waters of the Torres Strait, the sea was ruled by the proud and sturdy lugger boats. These vessels, built strong to withstand the rough waters and strong currents, carried with them the hopes and dreams of the Torres Strait Islanders.
In the early days, the pearl shell industry was the backbone of the region’s economy. The Torres Strait became known for its rich waters filled with precious mother-of-pearl, attracting traders and settlers from far and wide. But at the heart of it all were the island men, our forefathers, who risked their lives to harvest these treasures from the deep.
The work was gruelling and dangerous. The divers, some in heavy brass helmets, would sink below the ocean’s surface, searching for the valuable pearl shells. Others worked tirelessly on the decks, hauling in the catch, repairing nets, and keeping the boats in top condition. Every journey was uncertain, as strong currents, unpredictable storms, and lurking sea creatures made every dive a gamble. Yet, these men did not waver. Their resilience, strength, and skill kept the industry alive for generations.
From the break of dawn, the lugger boats set sail, moving across the shimmering waters, disappearing beyond the horizon. For months, these men toiled at sea, enduring the burning sun and harsh conditions. The ocean became their second home, a place where they shared stories, sang songs, and held onto the traditions passed down from their ancestors.
It was in December, with the arrival of the northwest monsoons, that the lugger boats made their way back home. The sight of sails on the horizon brought tears of joy to families waiting on the shore. Wives, children, and elders gathered at the beaches, their hearts pounding with excitement and relief. The return of the boats meant reunions, feasts, and the sharing of tales from the sea. The island communities would come alive with celebrations, and the men would bring home not just pearl shells, but also stories of their adventures, close encounters, and triumphs over the merciless sea.
The legacy of the lugger boats is deeply woven into the history of the Torres Strait. These boats symbolize more than just work; they represent perseverance, survival, and the deep connection between the people and the sea. The courage of our ancestors, who braved the waters for the sake of their families and their future, remains a source of inspiration today.
Though the pearl shell industry has changed over time, the stories of the lugger boats live on. They remind us of the sacrifices made by those who came before us, of the hard work that shaped the Torres Strait into what it is today. The spirit of the sea, carried by the winds that once filled the sails of the luggers, will forever be a part of our identity, echoing through the waves of time.