Malagan Ceremonial House-Board

A very rare section of a malagan ceremonial house-board. The decor centers on an important, high-relief carving of a tatanua, the single-use mask that represents the soul of the deceased. The tatanua mask is superbly rendered with its long projecting snout and large, ornate coiffure. The background decor composed of floral and geometric motifs is very unusual as it contains two areas of european mirror inlay (one section missing). 
Tabar Island, Tabar Archipelago, New Irland, Bismarck Archipelago, PNG, Melanesia. Alsottonia wood, pigments, turbo marmoratus opercula, and a small section of european mirror. Minor old loss, repairs, and wear. 55 x 21 cm. 19th century.
 

Provenance Inscribed in German on the reverse in black ink : Haus Planke – Tabar Gruppe – N. Irland

Provenance :
Unidentified German colonial collection.
Charles Ratton (1895-1986).
Collection de la Galerie Charles Ratton (1895-1986).
Galerie Ratton - Ladriere since 1984.
Vente Charles Ratton, 14, rue de Marignan – Paris. Collin du Bocage, Drouot 15 sept. 2023, Lot 34, p. 29.