Divination

The dol net is a long conical stationary net deployed on stakes in the sea. It aligns with the current direction, trapping fish unable to swim out against the tide. The driving of the stakes into the sea bed, harness the changing elevation of tides, shattering the notion of a level for a high or low tide.

To drive the stakes, two boats are held together, tied to two ends of a large log, the stake is tied to pulleys and raised into place. As a wave lifts the boat high, the fishers pull the ropes holding the stake tight, as the boat falls with the wave, it’s weight and fall forces the stake into the sea. This act is repeated until the stake is firmly in place. 

The act of stake renders the position of the boat and tide unmoving, it is the sea bed that rises and falls to accommodate the stake. From a watery perspective, the land is in constant motion, it’s proximity changing as you move from shore to deep sea.

Out at sea, a clear sky, or a hazy one, clouds with a touch of pink or deeper grey all indicate different environments. The sea is not monolithic - there are qualities to sea water, it creates different environments and harbors different ecologies. The kolis identify distinct kinds of sea, through colour, texture and viscosity, constructing wetness rather than seeing water.