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221
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Village of Lendamboe, Malekula Island, Malampa Province, Van…
See original version (French)
221
-
Village of Lendamboe, Malekula Island, Malampa Province, Van…
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,500 - €2,500
Voluntary lot
Description
Village of Lendamboe, Malekula Island, Malampa Province, Vanuatu.
Plant-based paste, ochre and natural fibre pigments, tree fern.
A large plaque associated with the initiation rites of young men, including circumcision. It was hung above the entrance to the men’s house, the Namal, during the initiation ceremonies of the Nalawan society. This mask was modelled using plant-based clay into a flat face with bulging eyes and a prominent nose symbolising the penis. On either side of the face are birds associated with youth and life: they carry the spirits of the ancestors to and from the village, and traps set to capture them so that they may bring the ancestral spirits back to the village. Dimensions: 85 cm.
Provenance: Collection of a couple of collectors, Blois.
Acquired in 1996 from Mr Michel LEGAND, who had owned it since 1952. (According to the collectors’ inventory). Note: Michel Legand was an oceanographer and biologist; he served as director of the IFO (French Institute of Oceania).
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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