Skip to main content

Main navigation

  • Western Australian Museum
  • Our locations
  • Collections
  • Background
  • Become a Member
  • Online Store
  • Full menu
WA Maritime Museum

Museum Menu

  • Visit
    Visit
    • Plan a visit
    • Exhibitions
      • HMAS Ovens
      • Evolution: Torres Strait Masks
      • The Nonna Project ― Journey to a New Life
    Evolution
    Evolution: Torres Strait Masks
    From Mother to Nonna - family is everything, courtesy of Nella Fitzgerald
    The Nonna Project ― Journey to a New Life
  • Education
    Education
    • Education programs
    • Planning an excursion
    • Self-guided excursions
    Seated children in school uniform look inside an old-fashioned suitcase
    Education programs
    Person looking at artefacts
    Self-guided excursions
  • Tours & events
    Tours & events
    • Under the Dome: Cinema Experience
    • NAIDOC Week 2022
    • School Holidays
    • View all tours & events
    A family looking up at a screen
    Under the Dome: Cinema Experience
    A pile of branches with fire
    NAIDOC Week 2022
  • Venue hire
    Venue hire
    • Venue hire
    • Download Venue Hire Brochures
    A close-up photograph of a banquet table decorated with white flowers and tall white candles
    Venue hire
  • Get involved
    Get involved
    • WA Maritime Museum on Facebook [external link]
Evolution masks
WA Maritime Museum

Evolution: Torres Strait Masks

Dates

Saturday 4 June – Sunday 21 August 2022

Tickets

Free exhibition | WA Maritime Museum entry fees apply

Experience special insight into the role of masks in Torres Strait Islander culture, the reaction of the early maritime explorers to this cultural practice, and the rituals that brought these amazing masks to life in this incredible travelling exhibition.

Evolution: Torres Strait Masks showcases the rich history of mask making in the Torres Strait Islands (Zenadh Kes), located between Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea.

WA Maritime Museum is proud to present this fascinating exhibition which takes visitors on a journey from time immemorial when masks were used in ceremonial rituals throughout the 274 islands that spread across some 48,000 square kilometres.

Evolution is a travelling exhibition from the National Museum of Australia developed in partnership with the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Waiben (Thursday Island) and assisted by the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program.

Ancient masks—Kuyuku Zamiyak (head piece)—are unique to the world. They possess powers which allow one to channel and connect with another realm. They were worn only by recognised spiritual leaders of the highest rank who had the ability to communicate with the ancestors of the spirit world.

Gain special insight into this deeply spiritual practice of mask making revived by eight proud contemporary artists and master craftsmen who want to share this ancient culture and connect us to their spiritual forefathers.

This fascinating exhibition features 12 striking masks, objects and other related cultural materials that will teach you and your family about the:

  • Evolution of the mask in Torres Strait Islander culture
  • Reaction of the early maritime explorers to this practice
  • Many cultural protocols inherent in creating a mask
  • Performances and rituals that brought the masks to life
  • Tools, techniques and materials used in mask-making
  • Ways masks influence contemporary art forms today
Header images: George Serras, National Museum of Australia
Keris by Eddie Nona - Badhu (Badu), Kala Lagaw Ya language group - Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
Keris by Eddie Nona - Badhu (Badu), Kala Lagaw Ya language group - Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
National Museum of Australia
Sor Kobir 1, Andrew Passi - Mer (Murray Island), Meriam Mer language group, Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
Sor Kobir 1, Andrew Passi - Mer (Murray Island), Meriam Mer language group, Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
National Museum of Australia
Waru Kraal by Yessie Mosby – Masig (Yorke Island), Kulkalgau Ya language group - Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
Waru Kraal by Yessie Mosby – Masig (Yorke Island), Kulkalgau Ya language group - Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
National Museum of Australia
Zei Sagulaw Mawa by Vincent Babia -Saibai/Seisia, Kalaw Kawaw Ya language group - Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
Zei Sagulaw Mawa by Vincent Babia -Saibai/Seisia, Kalaw Kawaw Ya language group - Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
National Museum of Australia
Ceremonial dressware by Seriat Young - Kawrareg Elder from Kaywalagal, Kala Lagaw Ya and Kawrareg Ya language groups. Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
Ceremonial dressware by Seriat Young - Kawrareg Elder from Kaywalagal, Kala Lagaw Ya and Kawrareg Ya language groups. Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
National Museum of Australia

Special exhibition events

Girl with a high bun draws with coloured pencils at a small wooden table
, Saturday 2 July 2022

Saturday 2 – Sunday 17 July | 10am – 2pm

Masks and Turtles
We are celebrating masks and turtles as we explore the culture of the Torres Strait Islands in July!
Beautiful view from Thursday Island Torres Straits, Queensland Australia
Tuesday 5 July – Sunday 10 July 2022

Tuesday 5 July | 10am – 11.30pm, 2pm – 3.30pm
Sunday 10 July | 2pm – 3.30pm

Ailan Kastom (2014) documentary

Join us for a screening of Ailan Kastom, meaning 'island custom', as we celebrate Torres Strait Islander culture during NAIDOC Week 2022.

Important information

Accessibility

Physical access information to WA Maritime Museum is available online, including ACROD parking information, entry information, access within the site, equipment available and more. Find out further details.

If you have any questions about access at WA Maritime Museum, please get in touch with us either via reception@museum.wa.gov.au or on 1300 134 081.

You can contact WA Maritime Museum through the National Relay Service:

TTY users phone 133 677
Speak and Listen users phone 1300 555 727
Alternatively, use the National Relay Service website.

Getting here

Book a general admission ticket online or by calling 1300 134 081. This is recommended if you wish to visit on a particular day.

Walk-up entry is available each day with no booking required. However, you may experience a wait time during busy periods such as weekends

For groups of 10 or more, please contact 1300 134 081.

Discover transport options and other resources for your visit.

Evolution logos
WA Museum is proud to present Evolution: Torres Strait Masks, a travelling exhibition from the National Museum of Australia developed in partnership with the Gab Titui Cultural Centre and assisted by the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program.

The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Footer menu

  • Western Australian Museum family
  • Accessibility
  • Contact us
  • Copyright
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • wa.gov.au
  • Ticketing terms and conditions

COVID-19 UPDATE

At the Western Australian Museum, the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and employees is our priority.

We have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place and we are following Government advice.

We have increased the scope of our cleaning regime, and we have hand sanitiser available for visitors.

We ask that all visitors practice physical distancing where possible and good hygiene. If feeling unwell, particularly if experiencing a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, please visit on another day.

For more information visit the WA Government website.

All content copyright Government of Western Australia, All rights reserved.

Footer Submenu

  • Sitemap
WA Maritime Museum

Museum Menu

  • Visit
    Visit
    • Plan a visit
    • Exhibitions
      • HMAS Ovens
      • Evolution: Torres Strait Masks
      • The Nonna Project ― Journey to a New Life
    Evolution
    Evolution: Torres Strait Masks
    From Mother to Nonna - family is everything, courtesy of Nella Fitzgerald
    The Nonna Project ― Journey to a New Life
  • Education
    Education
    • Education programs
    • Planning an excursion
    • Self-guided excursions
    Seated children in school uniform look inside an old-fashioned suitcase
    Education programs
    Person looking at artefacts
    Self-guided excursions
  • Tours & events
    Tours & events
    • Under the Dome: Cinema Experience
    • NAIDOC Week 2022
    • School Holidays
    • View all tours & events
    A family looking up at a screen
    Under the Dome: Cinema Experience
    A pile of branches with fire
    NAIDOC Week 2022
  • Venue hire
    Venue hire
    • Venue hire
    • Download Venue Hire Brochures
    A close-up photograph of a banquet table decorated with white flowers and tall white candles
    Venue hire
  • Get involved
    Get involved
    • WA Maritime Museum on Facebook [external link]

Corporate menu

  • Western Australian Museum
  • Our Locations
  • Background
  • Collections
  • Online Store
  • Membership
    • Members only
  • What's On
    • School Holidays

We recognise and respect the Traditional Owners of this Country and their connection to the lands, waters and skies.

WA Maritime Museum

Corporate menu

  • Western Australian Museum
  • Our Locations
  • Background
  • Collections
  • Online Store
  • Membership
    • Members only
  • What's On
    • School Holidays