oceania | New Ireland
Malagan dance ornament
New Ireland
Vatlam hornbill figure
Mouth ornament for Malagan rituals
New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th century
Wood, pigments, shells, and beads
Length: 18.5 cm
Provenance
Ex collection Michel Descours
Malagan Mouth Ornament 18.5 cm / Galerie Flak
Price on request
This bird figure (hornbill) is a dance ornament that was held between the teeth by a dancer or sometimes placed in the mouth of a mask during the ritual ceremonies of the Malangan (Malagan).
Explore the entire collection
