Hornbill carving
Late 19th century, c. 1880
Northern New Ireland
Wood, shell, opercula
h. 34.5 cm
UEA 942This is an outstanding sculpture of the Papuan hornbill, a large bird from New Ireland. Carved in formation with a frigate bird, two skeletal fish and a human figure, it is thought to have been from a Totenboot (mortuary boat). The carving would have been mounted on a canoe displayed at the climax of the Malagan, a series of feasts and ceremonies in which the dead were honoured, and political, religious and economic activities took place.
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