Saibai Island Language and Culture

Samu clan Muruyg is Melewal, also known as Mesea. There are two general accounts from the Samu and Dhoeybaw clans about who the first man on Saibai was.

The Samu account describes Melewal, or Mesea, as the first man at Saibai, named after the large baler shell in which he lived at Meseangagat. Nima and Poipoi, two brothers from the eastern end of Saibai, visit him while searching for their sister Ereu, whom they plan to look for along the Daudai coast. After meeting Melewal and speaking with him, they continue north to the beach, where they launch their canoe, Binibin. Seeing two mating turtles in the water, they name the place Saiwalaug’agat before crossing to Daudai and sailing east.