Malagan fish with anthropomorphic figure in the mouth Nord New Ireland
Malagan ceremonies are large, intricate traditional cultural events that take place in parts of New Ireland province in Papua New Guinea. The word malagan also refers to wooden carvings which are prepared for the ceremonies, and to an entire system of traditional culture. Malagan ceremonies Malagan ceremonies are the most large-scale and famous of the many events that take place within the malagan culture. They take place irregularly, and are typically large and complex events, taking several days, and requiring months or years of preparation. While a malagan ceremony is always held in the name of one or more people who have died in recent years, it is not at all merely a mortuary rite. Many other interactions take place within the overall event, including announcements, repayment of debts, recognition of obligations, resolution of disputes, and many other customary activities. Malagan carvingsMalagan carvings, now world-famous, are the wooden carvings which are created for use in malagan ceremonies. Traditionally these were burnt at the conclusion of the event; in modern times most are now retained, as the carving tradition is now only known by a few. Contemporary masters of malagan form include Ben Sisia of Libba Village (northern New Ireland) and Edward Salle of Lava Village (Tatau, Tabar Islands, New Ireland). Many malagan carvings are held in European and other museums. Malagan culture is the general term for the traditional culture in the area where malagan ceremonies take place, covering much of New Ireland province. There are many other ceremonies and customary practices within this large and complex cultural system. The word malagan comes from the Nalik language of northern New Ireland. Alternative spellings include malangan and malanggan.
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Photo credit: © Peter Horree / Alamy / Afripics
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