Kara (Turtleshell Mask Ceremony)

Description

Zenadh-kes (Torres Strait Islanders) are the only people who make Turtleshell masks. We call them, “Kara” (Turtleshell). We only use Unowa (Hawk’s Bill) Turtles for the mask. Making Kara is an art form. They are used in ceremonies and rituals to increase animal life and garden produce, for hunting success, sorcery, for initiation and hero cults. In this print, the two men are wearing Karas.