The Torres Strait, located in Queensland, Australia, is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Visitors can explore this unique culture through various museums and exhibitions showcasing artworks, objects, and stories that reflect the history and culture of the Torres Strait Islands. In Queensland, you can find the craft and artworks created by Torres Strait artists on display at various museums throughout the year. The Australian Museum has one of the world's most significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections, featuring artworks, technologies, and cultural material representing First Nations communities from across Australia. Many of these objects are on display in Garrigarrang (Sea Country), and the museum actively works to build links with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to activate their collections through programs that provide connections with living cultural practices.
Some of the cultural objects and artworks you can find in these museums include crocodile masks from the Torres Strait, which represented ancestors and associated totems, the Hedley and McCulloch Collection featuring 167 objects collected between 29 August and 4 October 1907, mostly from Mer (Murray Island), Torres Strait, and string figures of Yirrkala, also known as Matjka-wuma, made from various materials. Additionally, you can explore the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane, which showcases work by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, including works created by artisans from across Far North Queensland. These institutions showcase the vibrant art, history, and traditions of the Torres Strait Islands, providing a rich and immersive travel experience.