Mask (Buk), Torres Strait, Mabuiag Island, mid to late 19th century,turtle shell, wood, cassowary feathers, fiber, resin, shell, paint, 21 1/2 inches high (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City)
Though we lack an understanding of its use or cultural context, this turtle-shell mask was certainly precious.
Smarthistory images for teaching and learning:
[flickr_tags user_id=”82032880@N00″ tags=”buk,”]
