19th C. New Ireland Polychrome Wood Malagan Head

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Tabar Islands, New Ireland, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A remarkable, hand-carved wood idol head known as a malagan adorned in vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and black. The stunning visage presents a straight brow above huge, inlaid shell eyes with annular pupils, a projecting, pointed nose, and an open mouth. A thick strip of wood projects from the mouth, arching above and ending at the back, where it connects to the verso of the head. At the top, the strip crosses with another strip of wood that extends upwards from the figure's low-set ears. His lengthy ears are fit with large, ovoid holes, from which ornaments can be suspended. Brown rattan fiber adorns the top of the head, creating a textured coiffure. Size: 6.125" W x 8.125" H (15.6 cm x 20.6 cm); 11.3" H (28.7 cm) on included custom stand.

According to author Anthony JP Meyer, "The malagan is a system of mortuary rites which serve 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." (Meyer, Anthony JP. "Oceanic Art." Konemann Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Koln, 1995, p. 348)

Cf. The Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa), registration number FE003555

For additional information on New Ireland artistry, please see the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History essay entitled, "New Ireland" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art website.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167390
Condition Report: Repair to verso of shorter wooden strip arching from front to back, and taller wooden strip reattached to top, with light adhesive residue along break lines. Abrasions, nicks, and chips to neck, face, verso, and arching wooden strips, with light fading to pigment, age-commensurate desiccation to hair, and chips along neckline. Great preservation to shell eyes and pigment. Head is adhered to display stand and cannot be removed.