Material & Information
JOEL SAM
FOR OUR ELDERS

STORY
The Zenadth Kes region is made up of five island groups, Top Western, Western, Eastern, Central and Inner Islands. This is represented by the five stars. Our Elders from past to present are also depicted in these stars, from the big star (past) to the small star (present day).
The other patterns represent different cultural knowledge, language and traditions that our Elders have passed on. Also the caring and nurturing from our Elders through our kinship system. We are seafaring people and often rely on the constellations as guides. Our Aboriginal elders also used the stars as a guide. The stars have a spiritual meaning, the homes of our ancestors, they also hold valuable information about season, optimum time to harvest and travel.
First Nation Elders used these constellations and have passed on their knowledge to the younger generation, which is represented in the rip curls, the flow of tides meaning the knowledge is passed on to the next generation. Sometimes we struggle against the currents but always our elders are there to help. Each curl represents the many different pathways that our Elders paved before our time; from Education (teachers, principals), Health (Health workers), Railway workers (set the record and paved pathway for careers), Maritime careers (skippers, divers etc), Public Service (community service) and Defence Force.
For our Elders, today we are grateful and appreciate their hard work, their advocacy for the advancement of today’s generation. Much Respect For Our Elders.
Material & Information
We are excited to share this stunning new design by Torres Strait Islander artist Joel Sam for NAIDOC 2023! The stars at night and the wisdom of time collide in Joel’s powerful artwork. With a smooth Torres Strait Islander style and layered with inspiring symbolism, this attractive polo shirt is a wonderful addition to any woman’s wardrobe.
- Fitted design to compliment a woman’s figure
- Coolpass 100% Breathable Quick Dry Polyester
- Ideal for long-term usage outdoors with an SPF 50+ rating
- Colourfast Fabric which resists fading
- Biodegradable packaging to protect our land
- Moisture-wicking, odor-resistant polyester
- Lightweight and durable, resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage
- Antibacterial & antimicrobial fabric properties
- Super fast drying
- No ironing required
It feels good to give back! A percentage of each purchase goes towards supporting our collaborating artists and their families, helping to keep indigenous community and tradition alive.
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Shop Joel Sam
A word from Shop
Joel Sam is a contemporary Indigenous artist residing in Cairns. He is a direct descendant of the clans of Saibai Island where he spent his early years before moving to Bamaga to complete high school, the place he calls home. His work explores his personal engagement with Torres Strait Island culture and family stories through the processes of printmaking and sculpture.
The use of traditional clan Minarel (pattern) embedded within his images is characteristic of Joel’s work. Totemic designs include Umai (dog), Koedal (crocodile), Baydham (shark), Waru (turtle) and Samu (cassowary) connected through ancient familial bonds. Often interwoven, these designs allow Joel to express a more intricate visual language representative of the complexities of his Saibai Island heritage.
Shop Joel Sam
A word from Shop
Joel Sam is a contemporary Indigenous artist residing in Cairns. He is a direct descendant of the clans of Saibai Island where he spent his early years before moving to Bamaga to complete high school, the place he calls home. His work explores his personal engagement with Torres Strait Island culture and family stories through the processes of printmaking and sculpture.
The use of traditional clan Minarel (pattern) embedded within his images is characteristic of Joel’s work. Totemic designs include Umai (dog), Koedal (crocodile), Baydham (shark), Waru (turtle) and Samu (cassowary) connected through ancient familial bonds. Often interwoven, these designs allow Joel to express a more intricate visual language representative of the complexities of his Saibai Island heritage.
BW Tribal is a 100% Australian Indigenous owned and operated Australian brand with our creative hub situated in Brisbane, QLD.