Helmet mask

Description

Helmet mask of carved and painted turtleshell in the form of a human face surmounted by a frigate bird, decorated with shells and cassowary feathers, used in dance rituals and funeral ceremonies: Australasia, Australia, Torres Strait Islands, mid to late 19th century

Museum reference

A.1885.83

Collection

Oceania

Object name

Helmet mask

Production information

Torres Strait Islands, Queensland, Australia, Australasia

Date

Mid - late 19th century

Materials

Turtle-shell, Shell, Cassowary feather

Physical description

Carved and painted turtleshell in form of a human face surmounted by a bird, decorated with shells and cassowary feathers

Exhibitions

• Facing the Sea (29 Jul 2011)
  National Museum of Scotland

• Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing Stories (14 Nov 2008 - 01 Jan 2011)
  National Museum of Scotland

• Heaven and Hell and other worlds of the dead (01 Jul 2000 - 01 Feb 2001)
  Royal Museum of Scotland

References

Idiens, Dale. 'Pacific Art in the Royal Scottish Museum' Edinburgh: Royal Scottish Museum Studies, 1982 p. 70 image and catalogue entry No. 82

On display

national museum of scotland »
level 3 »
world cultures, facing the sea