James Eseli
James Eseli. Photo: Jeremy Lucas
Meet the maker - James Eseli
James Eseli was born on Badu Island in 1929 and grew up in a traditional island society.
Based on his experiences in the Torres Strait during the Second World War, Eseli choreographed an aeroplane dance, which featured distinctive headdresses portraying wartime aeroplanes.
These headdresses continue to be used by contemporary Badu dance troupes.
Eseli also makes other dance masks including the innovative crocodile dance mask.
