Dance Ornament

19th century

The malagan is a funerary festival held several months or even years after the death of the person honored. Its purpose is to free the living from the spirit of the dead and to enable the deceased\'s spirit to acclimate itself to the world of the dead. Birds are the most common motif for malagan dance ornaments, but many other type of creatures, either real or imaginary, are known. Though only the carver and dancer usually know the symbolism of these creatures, the bird generally represents the spirit world. The small, flat bit behind the bird on this mouth ornament was held between the dancer\'s teeth as he performed in imitation of bird movements. The dances in which these mouthpieces are used are part of the concluding rite of the malagan ceremonies.