The document provides information about Torres Strait Islanders, the indigenous people of the Torres Strait Islands located off the northeast coast of Australia. It notes that around 6,000 Torres Strait Islanders live in the islands, while another 42,000 live elsewhere in Australia. The document also describes significant aspects of Torres Strait Islander culture, such as the meaning behind the colors in their flag, the ceremonial dhari headdress, and the ritual masks worn by men during ceremonies to represent ancestors and totems.
2. Torres Strait Islanders are the Indigenous people of the Torres
Strait Islands, part of Queensland, Australia.
There are 6,000 Torres Strait Islanders who live in the area of the
Torres Strait, and 42,000 others who live in Australia.
Friday Island.
3.
4. Black:
Represents
the Indigenous peoples
The dhari represents the Torres Strait Island people and the five pointed
star represents the 5 major Island groups.
Green:
Represents
the land
Blue:
Represents
the sea
White:
Represents
peace
6. • In the Torres Strait Islands turtle shell masks were
worn by men for rituals and ceremonies.
• The Masks represented ancestors and totems
• The long snout was made from turtle shell. The teeth and
ears are made from wood. White pigeon feathers and
cassowary feathers are attached to a triangular bamboo and
shells hang from the mask.
7. A ritual face mask from the Torres Strait Islander people (19th century).