Helmet mask from New Ireland province, Papua New Guinea.

The people of northern New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, honour the dead through Malagan ceremonies. These ceremonies help the souls of the dead to pass into the spirit world. Malagan refers both to the memorial ceremonies as well as the masks, figures and posts made for use in them. It is not a time for grief but a festival for honouring the dead.

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Helmet mask from New Ireland province, Papua New Guinea.

Malagan carvings are owned by particular clans and made by specially commissioned carvers. The masks and body ornaments can represent someone deceased or the spirits of the dead. Some of these are worn during dances, whilst others are placed in a specially constructed Malagan enclosure.

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Helmet mask from New Ireland province, Papua New Guinea.

The mask is made of wood, fibre and mud. It is decorated to represent the hairstyle worn by young men as a mark of bereavement, partially shaved and coated with lime.

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Helmet mask from New Ireland province, Papua New Guinea.

The masks were decorated differently on each side. Collected in the late 19th century by the Brasseys. The mask is on permanent display in the Upper Durbar Hall.

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