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1884.114.2

Death mask of turtle shell.

On display

1884.114.2

Digital asset copyright: Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford

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Collection type
Object
Description
Death mask of turtle shell.
Long description
Long narrow mask made from three separate pieces of turtleshell perforated and tied together. Zigzag pattern around eyes and edges of mask. Long pointed nose. [LM]
Date / Period
Date made: Possibly before 1874
Date collected
By 1874
Acquisition information
Donated: 1884
Materials and processes
Material Turtleshell Reptile, Material Plant Fibre, Process Carved, Process Perforated, Process Tied
Dimensions
Length 268 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1884.114.2 PR Cat other PR nos: 3317
Research and responses

EST [ie Thomas] might be a reference to the fact that a question mark which had appeared before Torres Straits had been deleted.

This is a death mask from within the Torres Straits. More research is required to determine the exact provenance and cultural affiliation. Information provided by Dany Williams and Bianca Beetson from the Queensland Museum during a research visit in April 2025.

Search terms: Mask, Death, Grave Good

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