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Evolution: Torres Strait Masks

Evolution: Masks from the Torres Strait

Warning: This website includes images and names of deceased people that may cause distress to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Now showing at the National Museum of Australia

First Australians Focus Gallery | Until 23 July 2017 | Free

Evolution: Torres Strait Masks celebrates the rich and continuing tradition of mask making in Zenadh Kes (Torres Strait). This exhibition, prepared by the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, explores the form of masks as contemporary expressions of artistic and cultural revival.

  • Cultural mask with brown, yellow ochre and red facial tones, and white wavy hair.
    Wezamarimus
  • Cultural mask with brown, yellow ochre and red facial tones, and white wavy hair.
    Burrburr
  • Cultural mask with black and ochre tones, feathers, and other materials.
    Naga Mawa
  • Cultural mask with white and brown tones and feathers for hair
    Keris
  • Cultural mask with yellow ochre face, black markings and black hair
    Sor Kobir 1
  • Cultural mask with yellow ochre face, black markings and black hair
    Sor Kobir 2
  • Cultural mask with yellow ochre and white tones, feathers and other materials.
    Waru Kraal
  • Cultural mask with brown face, white markings, feathers and other materials.
    Sesere
  • Large cultural mask with brown and yellow ochre tones, feathers and other materials.
    Koedal Awgadhalayg
  • Cultural mask with brown face; red, yellow and orange markings; feathers and other materials.
    Kuki Sagulaw Mawa
  • Cultural mask with black face; red, yellow and orange markings; feathers and other materials.
    Zei Sagulaw Mawa
  • Large cultural mask with brown, white and red tones, feathers and other materials.
    Waiitatu

Torres Strait

Zenadh Kes (Torres Strait) is a region located between Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. The peoples of this area maintain vibrant artistic, spiritual and cultural traditions. More on the Torres Strait in our Lag Meta Aus exhibition

Gab Titui Cultural Centre

Gab Titui on Waibene (Thursday Island) is a contemporary art gallery and keeping place for historical and cultural materials. Evolution lead curator Leitha Assan and guest curator Alick Tipoti commissioned artists to design the masks, which were first displayed at Gab Titui in 2016.

The National Museum of Australia, which celebrates a longstanding relationship with the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, is delighted to partner with Gab Titui to present this travelling exhibition.

Gab Titui Cultural Centre .  Australian Government Torres Strait Regional Authority