Malagan 4965063 213484613 2008-05-19T15:37:21Z Coccyx Bloccyx 5807730 {{inline}} '''Malagan''' (also spelled '''malangan''' or '''malanggan''') ceremonies are large, intricate traditional cultural events that take place in parts of [[New Ireland Province|New Ireland]] province in [[Papua New Guinea]]. The word '''malagan''' also refers to wooden carvings which are prepared for the ceremonies, and to an entire system of traditional culture. ==Malagan ceremonies== ''Malagan'' [[ceremonies]] are the most large-scale and famous of the many events that take place within the ''malagan'' culture. They take place irregularly, and are typically large and complex events, taking several days, and requiring months or years of preparation. While a ''malagan'' ceremony is always held in the name of one or more people who have died in recent years, it is not at all merely a mortuary rite. Many other interactions take place within the overall event, including announcements, repayment of debts, recognition of obligations, resolution of disputes, and many other customary activities. ==Malagan carvings & carvers== [[Image:Malagan carvings.jpg|thumb|200px|Malagan carvings]] ''Malagan'' [[carvings]], now world-famous, are the wooden carvings which are created for use in ''malagan'' ceremonies. Traditionally these were burnt at the conclusion of the event; in modern times most are now retained, as the carving tradition is now only known by a few. Contemporary masters of ''malagan'' form include Ben Sisia of Libba Village (northern New Ireland) and Edward Salle of Lava Village (Tatau, Tabar Islands, New Ireland). Many ''malagan'' carvings are held in European and other [[museums]]. ==Malagan culture== ''Malagan'' culture is the general term for the traditional culture in the area where ''malagan'' ceremonies take place, covering much of New Ireland province. There are many other ceremonies and customary practices within this large and complex cultural system. The word ''malagan'' comes from the [[Nalik]] [[language]] of northern [[New Ireland (island)|New Ireland]]. Alternative spellings include ''malangan'' and ''malanggan''. ==References== {{cite book | last = Lincoln | first = Louise | coauthors = Tibor Bodrogi, Dieter Heintze, Michael Gunn | title = Assemblage of Spirits | publisher = George Braziller | date = 1987 | location = New York | pages = 13-55, 63-83 | isbn = 0-8076-1188-3 }} {{cite book | last = Gunn | first = Michael | title = Ritual Arts of Oceania: New Ireland | publisher = Skira editore | date = 1997 | location = Milan | pages = 37-63 | isbn = 88-8118-207-6 }} [[Category:Death customs]] [[Category:Festivals in Papua New Guinea]] [[Category:Papua New Guinean culture]] ==External links== *[http://www.alcheringa-gallery.com Alcheringa Gallery] - Canadian gallery representing some malagan carvers