Fish Spirit Masilai
ClassificationsSculpture
Artist
Ben Sisia
(New Ireland, born 1931)
Date20th Century
Made AtKavieng, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood, natural pigment and shell
Dimensionsa,b together: 15 × 40 5/8 × 6 11/16 in. (38.1 × 103.2 × 17 cm)
b only: 4 × 10 in. (10.2 × 25.4 cm)
b only: 4 × 10 in. (10.2 × 25.4 cm)
Credit LineJordan Community Trust Purchase
Object number2006.7.1a,b
DescriptionSculpture is the predominant art form on New Ireland, an eastern province of Papua New Guinea with a long tradition of artists carving from memory. This evil, fleshless fish spirit named Masilai is said to always be found swimming alone. Its depiction with vicious, thoroughly exposed fangs and a fierce gaze indicates a malicious intent. Early New Ireland sculptures were destroyed or sold to collectors after they served their singular purpose as ceremonial items—mythical representations that strengthened relationships and functioned in the memorial rites for the dead. The tradition of Malagan carving is continued today and has changed little in appearance from how it might have looked half a century ago.On View
On viewCollections
mid to late 20th Century
20th Century
late 20th century
late 20th Century
late 20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
early to mid 20th Century