I have been occasionally interested in the dance masks/headdresses worn by the indigenous population of the Torres Strait -- which is located between Australia and New Guinea, and is technically part of my state of Queensland. Most Torres Strait Islanders now live o­n the mainland but there is a major push to retain, and revive, their cultural traditions. Indeed, TI maskmaking, etc is the o­nly strong traditional maskmaking cultural thread in the whole of Australia. While there is not much literature o­n the topic, maskmakers may find it worthwhile studying the amazing head gear that is created as part of the dances there. These items are often referred to as "dance machines" as they can move independently of the wearer and be very 'structural' rather than plastic. Skilled craftworkers are now usining plastics and 'found' materials to create these amazing head gear which may hang up to a half metre radius from the performer's head. Some adapt modern shapes such as that of aircraft -- in deference to the impact the Second World War had o­n the region of the Coral Sea. <br /><br />These objects are very inspirational as they can transcend many of the still facial and figurative bonds that anckor much maskmaking. Try out this url for background:<br /><br />http://www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au/ianpasin/art032.html<br /><br />dave riley<br />
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