Hanoi (VNA) – The AustralianEmbassy in Vietnam kicked off an exhibition entitled “Evolution: Torres StraitMasks” at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi on May 18.
The event was part of activitiescelebrating the 45th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Australiadiplomatic ties (February 26) and International Museum Day (May 18).
Speaking at the event, AustralianAmbassador to Vietnam Craig Chittick said this was the first time masks ofTorres Strait, one of the typical Australian cultural features, have beenintroduced to the Vietnamese public.
He hoped that the Vietnamesepeople will learn more about the life and culture of Australian indigenouspeople in the strait through the event, thereby promoting cultural exchangesand mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.
According to the tradition ofTorres Strait – a network of islands between Northern Australia and Papua NewGuinea, masks are made by hand from local materials such as tortoise shells,small ropes and wild bee wax.
Today’s mask creations areconsidered expression of cultural and art revival, helping local people handdown their culture to later generations.
During the event, a documentary entitled“Cracks in masks” was also screened, introducing local culture and history toaudiences.
The exhibition will open to thepublic till July 18.-VNA
The event was part of activitiescelebrating the 45th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Australiadiplomatic ties (February 26) and International Museum Day (May 18).
Speaking at the event, AustralianAmbassador to Vietnam Craig Chittick said this was the first time masks ofTorres Strait, one of the typical Australian cultural features, have beenintroduced to the Vietnamese public.
He hoped that the Vietnamesepeople will learn more about the life and culture of Australian indigenouspeople in the strait through the event, thereby promoting cultural exchangesand mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.
According to the tradition ofTorres Strait – a network of islands between Northern Australia and Papua NewGuinea, masks are made by hand from local materials such as tortoise shells,small ropes and wild bee wax.
Today’s mask creations areconsidered expression of cultural and art revival, helping local people handdown their culture to later generations.
During the event, a documentary entitled“Cracks in masks” was also screened, introducing local culture and history toaudiences.
The exhibition will open to thepublic till July 18.-VNA
VNA