A Malakula Ceremonial Puppet...

Description

A Malakula Ceremonial Puppet
Vanuatu, early 20th century

Perhaps unique, since the male spirit figure sits atop a conch shell, his arms and legs spread out. His fernwood body and limbs are expressionistically painted with orange, black and white natural earth pigments. A pair of boars tusks extend up from the corners of his mouth. Embedded at his crown is a headdress of chicken and other domestic bird feathers. A painted earthenware miniature mask is attached to the bottom of the shell. Handheld puppets would mysteriously appear from behind fenced-in enclosures during initiation ceremonies. In very good condition, a stable crack at midsection of body, a few other cracks and losses as to be expected for such a fragile object.

Published:
Gabus, Jean, and Buehler, Alfred, Art Oceanien, Neuchatel, Switzerland, 1970, page 94, illustration number 1725.

Exhibited:
Art Oceanien, Musee d'Ethnographie, Neuchatel, Switzerland, 1970

Provenance:
A Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired in 1994
Wayne Heathcote, London, UK

Height: 34 ½ inches

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