Standing "malagan" figure

Description

wood, painted with red and black pigment, yellowed white paint, eyes with shell inlay (Turbo Phetolatus Opercula), remains of tar-like blackish mass at the coiffure, in seated posture rising from a ring-shaped base, with both hands holding a fish in front of the body, the large head with striking expressive facial features: characterized by a ferocious look, bare teeth and the prominent powerful chin, ear planks on either side of the head combining the weighty head with the delicate body, enlivened by elaborate ornaments and changing colours, slightly dam., minor missing parts, rep.;
not only the figures are called “malagan”. At the same time “malagan” describes a system of mortuary rites which served to free the soul from the body of the deceased so that it may go to its final resting-place. Advantage is also taken of the advent of a “malagan” cycle to initiate the young men-to-be into adulthood. The vast expense involved in the staging of a “malagan” ceremony - which requires the commissioning of numerous works of art, the provision of food and lodgings for visitors, etc. - helps stimulate the economy by injecting large quantities of shell money into the system.