Mask - Malagan
Production date
1880-1884
Country
Papua New Guinea
State/Province
New Ire
See full details
Object detail
Description
Mask made of wood and used during Malagan - Turbo petholus opercula eyes, one side panel missing, seaweed decoration. Ges figure sits atop head, wearing a small hat of fibre.
Maker
Production date
1880-1884
Production place
Measurements
L920mm x W360mm
Media/Materials description
Wood, seaweed, opercula from Turbo Petholatus, bush fibres, feathers, resin.
History and use
Vanis type Malagan, associated with a subtradition of malagans, which is worn on the head. Usually very elaborate wooden masks with a towering superstructure and ear planks.
Used at the beginning of the final ceremony of the Malagan to commemorate the dead and to ritually remove residual taboos that were imposed during the death.
Malagan ceremonies are large, intricate traditional cultural events that take place in parts of New Ireland province in Papua New Guinea. The word malagan also refers to wooden carvings which are prepared for the ceremonies, and to an entire system of traditional culture.
Used at the beginning of the final ceremony of the Malagan to commemorate the dead and to ritually remove residual taboos that were imposed during the death.
Malagan ceremonies are large, intricate traditional cultural events that take place in parts of New Ireland province in Papua New Guinea. The word malagan also refers to wooden carvings which are prepared for the ceremonies, and to an entire system of traditional culture.
Registration number
E4280
Share
Country
State/Province
Category
