How Tambanum Grew in the Footprint of the Crocodile Man Item Number: 3091/7 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Wood carving of a man, woman and crocodile. A woman in an elaborately painted mask sits with knees raised, hands on stomach. The head of a child emerges from her vagina. A man stands behind her with hands on her arms. He too wears a mask, and has elaborate decorations carved into his chest. A crocodile balances on his head, its tail falling down his back. The crocodile’s chin rests on a white ball balanced on the woman’s head. Both man and woman have ear and nose embellishments made of twisted grass. The eyes of all figures are made of shell. The base of the sculpture is rounded, with the name “Lucas Tangun” carved into the side, as well as several grey footprints painted on it.