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Image Not Available for Left armband from a Waia family child's dance costume
Left armband from a Waia family child's dance costume
Image Not Available for Left armband from a Waia family child's dance costume

Left armband from a Waia family child's dance costume

Artist (1946-2008)
Date1997
Object number00031015
NameArmband
MediumReeds, cassowary feathers, wood, string
DimensionsOverall: 160 x 300 x 285 mm, 0.05 kg
Display Dimensions: 160 x 300 x 285 mm
ClassificationsCeremonial artefact
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionLeft armband made by Charles Warusam for a Waia family child's dance costume. Made from reeds, cassowary feathers, wood and string. HistoryDance and language are important cultural markers in the Torres Strait. Proficiency in both is highly regarded, but some dance is the most visible expression of islander culture and the artefacts associated with dance dominate the material culture of the Torres Strait. Dancing transcends everyday life concerns. Creation spirits tied to particular geographical locations transmit knowledge of the land and sea through their songs and dances. By performing these dances, the time between past and present is closed for those who own the dance. The diversity of lifestyles in Torres Strait Islanders is reflected in different styles of performance art between islands, men and women. Although the performances occur in the context of entertainment, it is considered a serious activity, offering prestige and standing in the community to those who excel. Competition between the islands is fierce and big dance festivals occur where different communities meet and perform their dances over tow or three days. Everyone, including children have the chance to perform and compete. This children's dance costume is from a 'semi-traditional dance'. This dance also uses a dhari (dhibal) style headdress. All the communities of the Torres Strait have dhari headdresses, but styled differently on each island. The shape of the dhari comes from the look of two waves crashing together - am occurrence that heralds rough seas. The dance movements from the semi - traditional dance come from the pearl shell, the movements reflect that of white shell when thrown into the water. As the shell sinks it moves from side to side and just before it settled on the bottom it does it quickly. Dancers move their heads imitating these quick movements. SignificanceTorres Strait Islanders have always taken pride in dance performances and it remains the strength of their contemporary culture. From island to island the dance and its artefacts vary but everywhere dance has a broad cultural and social significance as an integral part part of ritual, religion and warfare. Saibai Islanders are considered some of the best dancers. Their costumes are suede at dance festivals, funerals and official occasions and during Saibai Island's fight for recognition of land and sea rights.