Malagan Figure
On View In:
Gallery 256
Artist:   Unknown  
Title:   Malagan Figure  
Date:   c. 1890  
Medium:   Wood, pigment, shell  
Dimensions:   78 x 13 1/2 x 12 in. (198.12 x 34.29 x 30.48 cm)  
Credit Line:   Gift of funds from Myron Kunin  
Location:   Gallery 256  

This large figure holds an instrument called katoviso, which comprises a group of bamboo pipes that are played by blowing across the top. The piper's rain hat, made of a pandan leaf, is typical for women. The stylized snake carvings that compose the skirt represent the woman's connection to the spiritual world. Serpents appear frequently in the art of New Ireland because of their supernatural powers. This figure likely portrays a clan ancestor for whom a malagan ceremony was held.

Artist/Creator(s)     
Name:   Unknown  
 

Object Description  
  
Classification:   Sculpture  
Physical Description:   standing figure with panpipes encircled by serpents and birds; wood with opercula inserts and pigments; carved for Malanggan rites  
Creation Place:   Oceania, Papua New Guinea, New Ireland  
Accession #:   85.93  
Owner:   The Minneapolis Institute of Arts