Malu Board

Malu Board

  • Artist

    Unknown artist

  • Production Date

    Unknown

  • Medium

    wood, pigment

  • Size

    1820 x 430 mm

  • Credit

    Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 1988

  • Accession Number

    C1994/1/260

  • Accession Date

    Jul 1988

  • Department

    International Art

  • Classification

    Object

  • Collection

    Chartwell

  • Subjects

    boards (flat objects), figures (representations), carvings

  • Chartwell Notes

    Please note: We have been unable to obtain direct approval for this image but we acknowledge the original maker. If the copyright owner is able to contact us, we will immediately respond. Regards, Chartwell.

  • Description

    A malu is a ceremonial board. Such openwork carving is characteristic of the Sawos people of the eastern Sepik river province in Papua New Guinea. Birds, insects and mammals are often included as totemic species.

    Malu have long been associated with the Iatmul people, who commonly obtain them through trade with the Sawos. (Te Moananui a Kiwa, 2005)

Exhibition history