Bird Frieze

This carving was part of a suite of stylistically related carvings commissioned by members of the extended family to commemorate important clansmen. The carvings may have taken a year or longer to complete, and were publicly displayed as a group during malagan ceremonials which included elaborate feasts and exchange of gifts.

Malagan wood sculpture is among the most complex sculptural styles in the world. This carving depicts a large bird with a snake in its mouth. A sea snail operculum is set in the eye of the bird which gives the animal an almost lifelike appearance. The tail of the bird is represented by several simplified curvilinear forms which enclose the composition on one end of the frieze. The contrasting red, white and black pigment applied to the surface of the frieze energizes the entire sculpture. This frieze is fully carved and painted on both sides, as it was intended to be displayed as a free-standing sculpture.

New Ireland woodcarvers owned the malagan sculpture designs. Often working on commission, they also could sell the copyrights to their designs. Once purchased, the design could never be carved again by the artist who created and sold it.