Minneapolis Institute of Art

Malagan Figure

Papua New Guinea (New Ireland)

Date

c. 1890

Medium

Wood, pigment, shell

Department

Arts of Oceania

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This large figure holds an instrument called a katoviso , made up of a group of bamboo pipes played by blowing across the top. The piper’s rain hat is of a style typically made of pandan leaves and worn by women. The stylized snake carvings on the skirt represent the woman’s connection to the spiritual world. Serpents appear frequently in New Ireland art because of the supernatural powers attributed to them. This figure likely portrays a clan ancestor for whom a Malagan ceremony was held. Papua New Guinea, Oceania

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