michelechristina1228
Mask (Le op) DP294647
Mask (Le op) created by the artists of Torres Strait Islander in the mid to late 19th century. This Mask is from Australia, Erub Island, Queensland, Torres Strait. Mask (Le op) is a carefully crafted, hand-made part of the Torres Strait Islander history and rituals. Mask can now be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in gallery 354 The Met Fifth Avenue. The Torres Strait Islanders turtle shell mask was a unique signature form of art, being made from turtle shell, hair, fiber, and pigment, this was a centuries old tradition. According to the museum, these turtle shell masks known as le op, which meant human face, would take the shape of human images. According to the museum these masks would completely cover the performers face and head when worn and would be used during initiations and funerary ceremonies to honor the spirits of the deceased, enabling them to travel to the island of the dead. This meaningful Mask has a height of 16 1/8 inches, width of 11 inches, and diameter of 8 ¼ inches. Mask (Le op) was purchased by The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection and a gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller in 1972. The accession number is 1978.412.729. This image is in the public domain.
www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/310072
Mask (Le op) DP294647
Mask (Le op) created by the artists of Torres Strait Islander in the mid to late 19th century. This Mask is from Australia, Erub Island, Queensland, Torres Strait. Mask (Le op) is a carefully crafted, hand-made part of the Torres Strait Islander history and rituals. Mask can now be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in gallery 354 The Met Fifth Avenue. The Torres Strait Islanders turtle shell mask was a unique signature form of art, being made from turtle shell, hair, fiber, and pigment, this was a centuries old tradition. According to the museum, these turtle shell masks known as le op, which meant human face, would take the shape of human images. According to the museum these masks would completely cover the performers face and head when worn and would be used during initiations and funerary ceremonies to honor the spirits of the deceased, enabling them to travel to the island of the dead. This meaningful Mask has a height of 16 1/8 inches, width of 11 inches, and diameter of 8 ¼ inches. Mask (Le op) was purchased by The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection and a gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller in 1972. The accession number is 1978.412.729. This image is in the public domain.
www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/310072