"Malaggan ceremonies were held primarily as funerary celebrations for members of a man's spouse's clan, but also by extension for the validation of land claims, the establishment of sub-clans, and various other important events. The carvings were commissioned from expert artists...they were displayed at the climax of the ceremonies in enclosures or temporary shelters lined with carved panels or screens of fresh leaves." (Newton & Waterfield 1995:312). "Symmetrical freizes...were usually fastened to the wall of a malagan display house and most frequently features a bird with outstretched wings holding a snake in its beak and talons." (Gunn 1997:110) Often, as in this example, birds, fish and snakes are shown in mortal conflict with one another. This may represent the dominance of one bird clan over its enemies. (Gunn 2006:232)

Provenance:
Alan Steele, New York, 2000