RARE ritual hand carved Malangan Head from Burra, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, 

Exceptionally rare piece. After exhaustive research, the only similar example I can find is part of a Swiss Museum from Museum Der Kulturen Basel (copy of their collection records pictured). The piece in their collection is also noted in the pictured academic book “Art Of The World: The Art of The South Sea Islands” revised edition from 1968. On page 110 it says:

• “Head of a malanggan doll-like figure from Burra, north-western New Ireland. Wood, painted with earth pigments and soot, and trimmed with cord on either side of the head. This head belonged to a huge seated figure made of rattan and ford, with raised arms and hands of wood, which personified a mythological character. On the head, rendered in an austere simple manner, emphasis is given to the hairdresser (crest) formerly worn by men, and to the double nose ornament, which consists of small pieces of shell. In essence this is a typical malanggan style. MUSEUM FÜR VÖLKERKUNDE, BASLE (Switzerland).”

This item is in great antique condition. See photos, and see also the tape residue indicating old age.

PRICED HIGH TO ALLOW REAL COLLECTORS TO FIND THIS LISTING AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO MAKE AN OFFER! You likely know more about it than I do, so I always accept reasonable offers from collectors.