George H Nona (Malu Sara)
Torres Strait Islander Historical Researcher, Artefact Artist & Craftsman
Tribe: Baudu • Language: Kala Lagau Ya
Koewbu Dhoeri — War & Ceremonial Headdress
Price on applicationHistorically Dhoeris were worn during ceremonies, rituals and tribal wars. Today they continue to preserve the ceremonial and cultural identity of Torres Strait Islanders. Handcrafted using traditional methods and natural materials.
- Medium
- Traditional Torres Strait Islander ceremonial materials including natural feathers, shells, twine and pigments
- Created
- 2021
- Size
- 70cm x 51cm x 9cm
A Square payment processing fee of 2.2% applies to all transactions.
Warup — Ceremonial Drum
Price on applicationTraditional ceremonial drum, handcrafted with natural materials and cultural markings, used in Torres Strait Islander ceremony and dance.
A Square payment processing fee of 2.2% applies to all transactions.
Warup — Island Ceremonial Drum (Available to Purchase)
Price on applicationHand-carved island warup with woven fibre binding, incised cultural markings, cassowary feather plume and pearl shell detailing. Available to purchase as an optional drum alongside the commissioned ceremonial warup.
A Square payment processing fee of 2.2% applies to all transactions.
Masks & Headdresses
Each mask and headdress is uniquely handcrafted with natural materials — feathers, pearl shell, cowrie shells, fibre twine and natural pigments. Every piece carries cultural markings used in the Torres Strait Islands.
A Square payment processing fee of 2.2% applies to all transactions.
Biography
Born and raised on Badu Island in the Torres Strait Islands, George Nona is a respected Torres Strait Islander artist specialising in the preservation and revival of traditional Dhoeri (headdresses) and historical cultural artefacts.
Drawing from oral histories shared through Elders and generations of cultural knowledge, George handcrafts historically inspired Dhoeri using traditional methods and natural materials including feathers, shells, pigments and pearl shell. His work reflects the spiritual, ceremonial and warrior traditions of the Torres Strait Islands while preserving important cultural practices for future generations.
George’s artworks have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums throughout Australia, as well as internationally in London and Tasmania. His detailed craftsmanship and commitment to historical authenticity have earned recognition for his contribution to Torres Strait Islander cultural preservation and contemporary Indigenous art.
Each handcrafted piece is uniquely created and carries its own story, composition and cultural significance.
“Preserving traditional Torres Strait Islander craftsmanship is preserving identity.”
Contact
Artwork enquiries: Blak Cherrys Management Services
Email: blakcherrys.manager@gmail.com