Dugong are marine herbivorous mammals. They hold great social and cultural importance in northern coastal Australia and Torres Strait Islander communities. In certain cases, they can be legally hunted as a protein-rich food and for ceremonial and medicinal use. In some Aboriginal communities, distribution of dugong meat is important in the fulfilment of kinship obligations. Dugongs also feature heavily in traditional creation stories, myths and rituals. 

Stephen Kawurlkku, a Ndjebbana man from Maningrada, painted this carving with red, brown and yellow hatching on a black ground, a style of decoration associated with the coastal indigenous groups of Australia. 

Presented to Queen Elizabeth II by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir William Deane, during her official visit to Australia, 17 March–1 April 2000.