Greedy Goba: a traditional story from Badu Island by Ella Nona

Greedy Goba: a traditional story from Badu Island

by Ella Nona, Year 8

The people of Argun caught many turtles and from the turtles oil was made. On the other side of the island at Kotaid, the villagers prepared biu sama (balls of mangrove pod pulp) to eat. The Argun people sent some delicious oil to their friends at Kotaid with a man named Goba, and in return they expected some biu sama. Likewise, the people of Kotaid expected oil for their biu sama. Goba was very hungry and became very greedy. When he carried foods between the two groups he took most of the food and ate it himself. Each time he visited a village, he would feed himself first and only give them left overs. Eventually the villagers grew suspicious and some of the men from Argun followed him to Kianplay (middle of the island) to check on what he was doing. They found out about the stolen foods and Goba was stoned to death. Now his grave is a pile of stones on Badu. Each time we pass by we pay respects by letting him know that we are passing by and we are not here to cause harm. Goba is now known as Greedy Goba and the people of Badu will tell someone who is taking more than their share to not be like Greedy Goba.

A Mother-Daughter conversation about culture

Ella Nona: Why is culture important to you?

Sophie Nona (Ella’s Mother): Culture is important to me because it’s our everyday way of life. It includes our values, beliefs, customs, languages and is reflected in our history. Culture also identifies where I’m from and my traditions.

Ella: Why is dancing and singing significant to our culture?

Sophie: Singing and dancing is important in our cultures because it defines us. When the singers are singing, the dancers tell a story through their actions. When they are dancing it also identifies which island you are from because every island has their own unique dancing and singing.

Ella: Where are we from?

Sophie: I am a Badulaig. My athe’s (grandfather’s) father was from Samoa and his mother from Saibai Island but both were accepted by Badu families and were made Badulaigs because my athe’s brothers did a lot also for Badu so we are proud Badulaigs.

Ella: What is our Clan or Tribal name?

Sophie: My family’s Clan/Tribal and which is also our Totem is ‘Tabu’ (snake) and our colour is red, which represents the clan and our surname ‘Nona’.