New Ireland is famous for its malagans; ceremonies that help return life to normal after someone has died. Special sculptures are displayed and masks are worn by dancers. Visual symbols used in the designs of the sculptures and masks remind everyone of their shared history and culture.
Brighton Museum has an important collection of objects from New Ireland that includes historic and contemporary items.
Members of Art in Mind, a local art group for young people with experience of mental health issues, made their own sculpture inspired by malagans in the museum.
Bolxuaam, sculpture created by Michael Homerang, 1993
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New Ireland is a province of Papua New Guinea and is made up of numerous islands, the largest of which is called New Ireland.
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90% of the population of 120,000 people live in rural villages. Only 3% are over 65 years old.
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The people of New Ireland speak 22 local languages and around 45 dialects.
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In the last 25 years the number of recognised master malagan carvers in New Ireland has reduced from 15 to 2.
- The traditional art of shark calling is only practiced in New Ireland. Coconut shell rattles attract sharks to boats where they are noosed or speared and netted.
Members of Art in Mind at Brighton Museum with artist Jill Parsons, November 2011
Listen to members of Art in Mind talk about making their malagan-inspired sculpture at Brighton Museum.