Stars of Tagai describes life among the blue-water people of the Torres Strait Islands. It explores the changing life of these sea people: their creation and re-creation of identity, and their unique sea culture, rich in meaning and custom.

Traversing the period from the mid-nineteenth century until today, Stars of Tagai is the first book to examine the social issues involved in the Mabo case, and to give a picture of life of the Meriam people of the Murray Island.

The title is drawn from the story of Tagai, which belongs to all Torres Strait Islanders.

Production Details

• Paperback
• 240mm x 162mm x 20mm
• 321pp
• Released January 1993
• ISBN 9780855752385

Contents

List of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
Part I
Introduction- Stars of Tagai I
Chapter 1: Themes of Encounter in Magani Kes-Magani Malu and Torres' Strait
Part II
Chapter 2: The Flower of Meriam Identities- Linking Circles of Life among the Meriam
Chapter 3: Originality and Continuity
Part III
Chapter 4: The Cross as Sign
Chapter 5: Kole
Chapter 6: From Mai to Pearl Shell
Part IV
Chapter 7: Striking Back
Chapter 8: Stars of Tagai II
Epilogue- Reflections upon the Stars
Notes
Bibliography
Glossary
Index

About The Cover

Cover based upon a watercolour by Lieutenant George Tobin; colour negative ZPXA 563f76 courtesy of Mitchell Library, State library of New South Wales, and drawings of the Tagai constellation by Gizu and Mariget of Mabuiag (Haddon 1908,4).