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Today at the Museum

June 19, 2013

Your MIA, S18 (ages 9-12)

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Studios 111-113

Full-day camp Kick off summer by finding ways to spend it in and around the museum, solo or with friends. $310; includes a 1-year Student Membership ($20 value) To register, call (612) 870-3000 or register online.

Malagan Figure
Title:Malagan Figure
Artist:Unknown
Date:c. 1890
Creation Place:Oceania, Papua New Guinea, New Ireland
Credit Line:Gift of funds from Myron Kunin
Accession Number:85.93
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.