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Malagan Figure, Papua New Guinea, c. 1890
Papua New Guinea,Papua New Guinean

Malagan Figure

c. 1890 · Sculpture · 198.12 × 34.29 cm

Can I see it?

Yes, on view now

Where is “Malagan Figure” now? Minneapolis Institute of Art, G262, Minneapolis. Yes, on view now. Checked September 29, 2026.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Minneapolis, United States

RoomG262

Open now· until 5:00 PM

On public display.

Checked
In this state since
Source
The museum
On the mapMuseum page

About the sculpture

This large figure holds an instrument called a katoviso, made up of a group of bamboo pipes played by blowing across the top. The piper’s rain hat is of a style typically made of pandan leaves and worn by women. The stylized snake carvings on the skirt represent the woman’s connection to the spiritual world. Serpents appear frequently in New Ireland art because of the supernatural powers attributed to them. This figure likely portrays a clan ancestor for whom a Malagan ceremony was held.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Details

Accession number
85.93

In the catalog

SculptureWoodImpressionism19th centuryPapua New Guinea

Sources

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