|
Axambal
Ali Elias
Medina Village, New Ireland
Papua New Guinea
circa 2000
Wood (probably Alstonia sp.), snail shell (Turbo petholatus), natural
pigments (probably including lime, charcoal, and earth ochres)
45" x 27.5" x 16"
$10,600.00 CDN see note below
CAT# Med 0802
|
Julius Bokawa Laisie, chief of the Momarba clan, says:
"Axambal is from my clan. It represents all the other carvings that were around it: bolxuam, bilisabai, onimo, narpala, and so forth [spellings uncertain for the last three names]. They all come from axambal. [Elder and malagan owner] Tamun Kosep told this malagan to Ali Elias, a new carver trained by Michael Xomerang. When it is time for the big malagan feast, we use this carving. It is only presented then."
The eagle crowning this piece wears the Momarba kapkap (see notes on Bolxuam); it represents the clan chief. Below the eagle is bolxuam, followed by a sea eagle, two flying fish (ayanilef), and an exquisitely detailed crayfish (axawurang). The realism in this carving is unusual, a testament to the vitality of contemporary malagan interpretation.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Following the wishes of the Momarba clan (see the show's introduction), this piece can only be sold to a major public arts institution, or to a private buyer purchasing it for an institution (either directly or for a collection willed to an institution). The clan wants this important part of their heritage seen as well as preserved. Contact us for more information.
|
|
