Seamask

Artist Brian Robinson (1973)

Date1993

Object number00031660

NameLinocut

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsSheet: 765 x 560 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA linocut by Brian Robinson titled 'Seamask' featuring a central stylised mask surrounded by a stingray, dugong, manta ray and snake - sea creatures common to the waters of Torres Strait. Masks were a way in which Islanders could evoke spiritual protection during war, hunting, initiation and cult practices and increase ceremonies which meant continued abundance of food stock, as well as also determining an individual’s position in society.HistoryArtist’s statement: "Artistic practice played a vital role in everyday life, as this form of expression gave shape to the Islander's gods, their inherent spirituality derived from ancestral ties to the land and sea. This spirit world was given form through the creation of ritual objects, in particular ceremonial masks used in dance. The mask was the medium by which Islanders could evoke spiritual protection during war, hunting, initiation and cult practices and increase ceremonies which meant continued abundance of food stock, as well as also determining an individual’s position in society. Masks constructed from turtleshell and wood, were the most distinctive and highly embellished of all objects from the Torres Strait artisans. Turtleshell mask were a central component to ritual observance throughout most of the islands in the Western, Eastern and Central groups but the Top Western Islands obtained wooden masks via trade and exchange with Papua New Guinea that were later embellished with low-relief carving, shells, nuts and natural fibres. " - Brian Robinson triebSTUDIOSignificanceBrian Robinson is a contemporary Torres Strait artist whose practice combines his Indigenous heritage (Torres Strait Islander and Cape York Aboriginal) with current arts practice.