Image: Malagan mask from New Ireland

Malagan mask - Northern New Ireland, Papua New Guinea
Acquired 1887 - Wood, shell (Turbo petholatus), pigments, plant roots, cane, cordage, red fabric. E548

Rights:

© Australian Museum

Additional information

Light helmet masks with tall ear planks were worn by men to attack the property of the dead person under commemoration and, by doing so, remove their influence upon the living.

Last Updated: 23 October 2009

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