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Image Not Available for USA B1 Bomber Headdress
USA B1 Bomber Headdress
Image Not Available for USA B1 Bomber Headdress

USA B1 Bomber Headdress

Artist (1929-2009)
Datec 1996
Object number00002639
NameHeaddress
MediumWood, metal, string, paint, plastic
Dimensions646 x 620 x 372 mm, 0.95 kg
Display Dimensions: 365 x 625 x 650 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA headdress featuring a USA B1 Bomber by James Eseli from Badu Island in the Torres Strait. The headdress is used in a dance that tells the story of the World War II aircraft movements from Horn Island military airfield to Papua New Guinea. James Eseil was born on Badu Island in 1929 and experienced World War II whilst living in Torres Strait. Since that time, he used dance and his headdresses to tell the story of the aircraft movements from Horn Island military airfield to Papua New Guinea. HistoryObjects used in dance have begun to dominate the material made by Torres Strait Islanders to sell. Island tradition has broadened and artists like James Eseli became freer to experiment with new dance concepts and costumes. Dance concerts are an important entertainment in the Torres Strait however dance is also a serious activity, and prestige is given to those who are good dancers. The rise of professional dance troupes and semi-permanent groups has influenced these artefacts of dance. Objects that were once made for a single occasion and later discarded, are now carefully maintained and stored for reuse. World War II witnessed an extraordinary intervention in the economy and labour force of Australian's Indigenous peoples. The army recruited the Islanders in large numbers and Torres Strait Islander's wartime experiences have become a favourite dance theme. This headdress was used in a dance that tells of aircraft movements between Horn Island military airfield and Papua New Guinea. Badu Island dancers wearing bomber headdresses interpreted a raid on Japanese targets.SignificanceDance objects such as this headdress were made of traditional materials but introduced materials have been incorporated in their making since the arrival of Europeans. Torres Strait Islander history is an important genre of dance, and headdresses of military aircraft relate to the Islanders' experience of World War II which became an important historical marker.