Lara Fujii - Awgadhlig Au Pui - Totem Tree

Throughout the Zenadth Kes our people Awgadhlig (totem) have been handed down from generation to generation even with the Coming of Christianity it has been saved and handed down through teachings of our elders and parents.   

Out totems are sacred and preserves our family tree, it becomes your own responsibility to keep that fire burning.  It may also define roles and responsibilities with each other, creation and clans.   

This artwork depicts my great-great grandmother on her journey becoming and entry to a new totem, her first transition step.  She has been brought up under her birthright clan.  A young proud Wagadagam woman, wind totem Kuki and Kodal.  She relocates to Badu, northwest side, with her new husband and is ready to give birth after marriage.  She has her first child and has now given birth within the Argan tribe of Badu and is now part of her new clan. 

Inheriting a new totem through marriage and bearing children.  She gave birth to five sons who are represented at the top for the sons shall carry the surname and the five daughters who are represented at the bottom, shall marry out. 

The black pins on the thupmul (stingray) depicts how many children her children gave birth to.   

Because it is my responsibility to keep her legacy going in my family, I have chosen to use her and my totems, which I have inherited at birth to hand down to children and grandchildren.  A piece of art where it shall have no ends has my totems and family tree for many generations to come. 

Our totem is an emblem of a family or clan.  The emblem may feature natural objects, animals, land and sea.  It may also define roles and responsibilities, relationships with each other and creation with clans.  It is now time to keep it burning – True Identity!