The two-month-long exhibition at Ha Noi’s Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology was part of activities celebrating the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Speaking at the event, Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Craig Chittick said this was the first time masks of Torres Strait, one of the typical Australian cultural features, have been introduced to the Vietnamese public. 

The ambassador hoped that the Vietnamese people will learn more about the life and culture of Australian indigenous people in the strait through the event, thereby promoting cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the people of the two countries. 

Torres Strait is a network of islands located between Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.  The people of this area maintain vibrant artistic, spiritual and cultural traditions.
The making and wearing of beautifully decorated masks is one of the region’s most distinctive traditions.

While rooted in ancient protocols and spirituality, masks and mask making today are celebrated as expressions of artistic and cultural revival.

During the event, a documentary entitled “Cracks in masks” was also screened, introducing local culture and history to audiences. 

The exhibition will runs till July 18.