Image: Malagan mask from New Ireland

Malagan mask - Northern New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. Acquired 1887. Wood, shell (Turbo petholatus), plant fibres, pigments, plant roots, resin
 

Rights:

© Australian Museum

Additional information

This mask is similar in style to Matua masks which are worn and walked through the village and gravesite to remove taboo restrictions associated with death.

Last Updated: 23 October 2009

Tags Death Online, disposing of the dead, burial, malagan, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea,