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Melanesian Collection (#3)

"Exploring the Vibrant Melanesian Culture: A Glimpse into Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia" Step back in time to 1920

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Rectangular New Guinea shield, decorated with carved scrolls in relief

Rectangular New Guinea shield, decorated with carved scrolls in relief
CH469807 Rectangular New Guinea shield, decorated with carved scrolls in relief, the back with six carved lugs to hold rattan loops

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Rectangular New Guinea Highlands shield (wood)

Rectangular New Guinea Highlands shield (wood)
CH469804 Rectangular New Guinea Highlands shield (wood) by New Guinean; height: 150.5 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: bouclier hali; ); Photo eChristies Images; out of copyright

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Oval Asmat shield, carved in relief with scrolling ornament incorporating highly stylised

Oval Asmat shield, carved in relief with scrolling ornament incorporating highly stylised
CH469803 Oval Asmat shield, carved in relief with scrolling ornament incorporating highly stylised figures, plaited tassels to the border (wood)

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Dwellings in Likiliki Village, New Ireland, 1826 (colour litho)

Dwellings in Likiliki Village, New Ireland, 1826 (colour litho)
468705 Dwellings in Likiliki Village, New Ireland, 1826 (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: New Ireland, an island of Papua New Guinea)

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Shield, Trobriand Islands, (painted wood)

Shield, Trobriand Islands, (painted wood)
HSC207117 Shield, Trobriand Islands, (painted wood) by Oceanic; Horniman Museum, London, UK; Photo eHeini Schneebeli; out of copyright

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Two War Clubs, probably 19th century (wood)

Two War Clubs, probably 19th century (wood)
PFR142610 Two War Clubs, probably 19th century (wood) by New Guinean; Private Collection; ePaul Freeman; out of copyright

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Ancestor Mask (wood)

Ancestor Mask (wood)
PFR142551 Ancestor Mask (wood) by New Guinean; Private Collection; ePaul Freeman; out of copyright

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Pilou, traditional Kanak dance, New Caledonia (coloured engraving)

Pilou, traditional Kanak dance, New Caledonia (coloured engraving)
976032 Pilou, traditional Kanak dance, New Caledonia (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Pilou, traditional Kanak dance)

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesian Man, ca. 1890-1899. Creator: Antonio Zeno Shindler

Melanesian Man, ca. 1890-1899. Creator: Antonio Zeno Shindler
Melanesian Man, ca. 1890-1899

Background imageMelanesian Collection: A Native Hut, Sariba, British New Guinea, c1909. Creator: George Rose

A Native Hut, Sariba, British New Guinea, c1909. Creator: George Rose
A Native Hut, Sariba, British New Guinea, c1909. This style of building is peculiar to this particular island. Traditional building with curved roof line on Saliba Island

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Arnazs Damselfish, Chrysiptera arnazae, Philippines

Arnazs Damselfish, Chrysiptera arnazae, Philippines
A huge fan of gorgonian coral is the background for Arnazs damselfish (Chrysiptera arnazae). Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs at a depth to avoid the effects of the surge; Philippines

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Fiji, Matangi Private Island Resort, Sunset glow over ocean

Fiji, Matangi Private Island Resort, Sunset glow over ocean

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Fiji, Viti Levu Island, Sunrise and coconut palm tree

Fiji, Viti Levu Island, Sunrise and coconut palm tree

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesia, Makira-Ulawa Province, Solomon Islands, island of Owaraha or Owa Raha

Melanesia, Makira-Ulawa Province, Solomon Islands, island of Owaraha or Owa Raha (formerly known as Santa Ana), village of Gupuna aka Ghupuna. Calm lagoon view with reef

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Peleliu, Palau. WWI landing craft wreckage Peleliu, Palau

Peleliu, Palau. WWI landing craft wreckage Peleliu, Palau
World War II landing craft wreckage Peleliu Island, Palau

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesian Village, 1924

Melanesian Village, 1924. From The British Empire in Pictures, by H. Clive Barnard, M.A. B.Litt. [A. & C. Black, Limited, London, 1924]

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesian Tree-House, 1924

Melanesian Tree-House, 1924. From The British Empire in Pictures, by H. Clive Barnard, M.A. B.Litt. [A. & C. Black, Limited, London, 1924]

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Mortuary platform in New Guinea, 1902. Artist: W Lindt

Mortuary platform in New Guinea, 1902. Artist: W Lindt
Mortuary platform in New Guinea, 1902. From The Living Races of Mankind, Vol. I. [Hutchinson & Co, London, 1902]

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Dobos, tree houses for unmarried women in Melanesia, 1902. Artist: W Lindt

Dobos, tree houses for unmarried women in Melanesia, 1902. Artist: W Lindt
Dobos, tree houses for unmarried women in Melanesia, 1902. From The Living Races of Mankind, Vol. I. [Hutchinson & Co, London, 1902]

Background imageMelanesian Collection: A Solomon Island woman in native dress, 1902

A Solomon Island woman in native dress, 1902. From The Living Races of Mankind, Vol. I. [Hutchinson & Co, London, 1902]

Background imageMelanesian Collection: A woman of Fiji in native dress, 1902. Artist: Josiah Martin

A woman of Fiji in native dress, 1902. Artist: Josiah Martin
A woman of Fiji in native dress, 1902. From The Living Races of Mankind, Vol. I. [Hutchinson & Co, London, 1902]

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Two Fijian princesses with the hair dressed in European style, 1902

Two Fijian princesses with the hair dressed in European style, 1902. From The Living Races of Mankind, Vol. I. [Hutchinson & Co, London, 1902]

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Fijians Pay Homage, 1927 (1937)

Fijians Pay Homage, 1927 (1937). The Duke and Duchess of York in Fiji during their tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1927

Background imageMelanesian Collection: War canoe, Solomon Islands, c1923. Artist: HJ Shepstone

War canoe, Solomon Islands, c1923. Artist: HJ Shepstone
War canoe, Solomon Islands, c1923. A print from Countries of the World, Volume VI, edited by JA Hammerton, The Fleetway House, London, c1923

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Native canoe on a palm shaded beach, Solomon Islands, c1923. Artist: York & Son

Native canoe on a palm shaded beach, Solomon Islands, c1923. Artist: York & Son
Native canoe on a palm shaded beach, Solomon Islands, c1923. A print from Countries of the World, Volume VI, edited by JA Hammerton, The Fleetway House, London, c1923

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Fire walking in Fiji, 1920

Fire walking in Fiji, 1920. A print from Customs of the World, Hutchinson and Company, 1920

Background imageMelanesian Collection: How We Go to Cricket in the Solomon Islands, 1912

How We Go to Cricket in the Solomon Islands, 1912. From Imperial Cricket, edited by P F Warner and published by The London and Counties Press Association Ltd (London, 1912)

Background imageMelanesian Collection: A Roro chief dressed for a ceremonial dance, Papua New Guinea, 1920

A Roro chief dressed for a ceremonial dance, Papua New Guinea, 1920. Artist: Charles Gabriel Seligman
A Roro chief dressed for a ceremonial dance, Papua New Guinea, 1920. A print from Customs of the World, Hutchinson and Company, 1920

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Woman wearing full mourning costume, Melanesia, 1920. Artist: Gunnar Landtman

Woman wearing full mourning costume, Melanesia, 1920. Artist: Gunnar Landtman
Woman wearing full mourning costume, Melanesia, 1920. After the death of a man his wife is secluded in an enclosure of mats, she smears her body in mud, wails continuously and only goes out at night

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Women in festival attire, Melanesia, 1920. Artist: George Brown

Women in festival attire, Melanesia, 1920. Artist: George Brown
Women in festival attire, Melanesia, 1920. Melanesian women dressed in all their finery ready to welcome home their menfolk who have been away in their canoes

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Masks possessing magical qualities, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, 1920

Masks possessing magical qualities, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, 1920. Artist: Strecker and Schroder
Masks possessing magical qualities, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, 1920. These distinctive masks are worn by members of the Duk Duk society

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Dancers of the Fly River region, Papua New Guinea, 1920

Dancers of the Fly River region, Papua New Guinea, 1920. A print from Customs of the World, Hutchinson and Company, 1920

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Malformation of the ears, Solomon Islands, 1920. Artist: JW Beattie

Malformation of the ears, Solomon Islands, 1920. Artist: JW Beattie
Malformation of the ears, Solomon Islands, 1920. A man with pierced ear lobes enlarged by discs and a nose ring. A print from Customs of the World, Hutchinson and Company, 1920

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesian bowl, Tami Island, Papua New Guinea, 20th century

Melanesian bowl, Tami Island, Papua New Guinea, 20th century. From the collection of the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesian mask from New Ireland

Melanesian mask from New Ireland, from the Hornimann Museums collection

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesian male and female ancestor figures

Melanesian male and female ancestor figures from New Ireland, from the Hornimann Museums collection

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Head of Malanggan figure, intended to rot with a body

Head of Malanggan figure, intended to rot with a body
Head of Malanggan figure from Melanesia, New Ireland. From the British Museums collection

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Head of a wooden figure from New Ireland, Melanesian

Head of a wooden figure from New Ireland, Melanesian. From the British Museums collection

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Wooden figure from New Ireland, Melanesia

Wooden figure from New Ireland, Melanesia. British Museum

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Male and female ancestor figures from Melanesia

Male and female ancestor figures from Melanesia
Male and female ancestor figures of chalk. From New Ireland in Melanesia, now in the Horniman Museum in London

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Woman of New Caledonia, engraved by Benard (18th century) illustration from Second

Woman of New Caledonia, engraved by Benard (18th century) illustration from Second
XIR661412 Woman of New Caledonia, engraved by Benard (18th century) illustration from Second Voyage of Captain James Cook", 1774 (engraving) by French School

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Mounted head representing death, from Vanuatu, 11th-19th century (painted clay)

Mounted head representing death, from Vanuatu, 11th-19th century (painted clay)
XIR216499 Mounted head representing death, from Vanuatu, 11th-19th century (painted clay) by Oceanic; Musee d Hist. Nat, d Archeologie et d Ethnographie

Background imageMelanesian Collection: The chiefs of Tikopia received the officers of the Astrolabe, from Voyage de

The chiefs of Tikopia received the officers of the Astrolabe, from Voyage de
XIR1144535 The chiefs of Tikopia received the officers of the Astrolabe, from Voyage de l Astrolabe commanded by Dumont d Urville (engraving) by French School

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Bismarck Sea, Tuam Island. Scenic view of island coastline

Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Bismarck Sea, Tuam Island. Scenic view of island coastline

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Tufi. Village is well known for their ornate tropical

Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Tufi. Village is well known for their ornate tropical bird feathers headdresses. Detail of feather ceremonial headdress

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Dobu Island

Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Dobu Island. Vintage historic seashell and bead artifacts that are traded between villages and are displayed showing the villagesa wealth, not for sale and not souvenirs

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Sepik River area, Murik Lakes

Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Sepik River area, Murik Lakes. Typical Karau and Mendam Village stilted homes

Background imageMelanesian Collection: Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Fergusson Island, Del Del Hot Springs. Volcanic hot springs

Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Fergusson Island, Del Del Hot Springs. Volcanic hot springs, natural steaming blue pool




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"Exploring the Vibrant Melanesian Culture: A Glimpse into Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia" Step back in time to 1920, where the Duk Duk society thrived in the Bismarck Archipelago of Papua New Guinea. This secretive group held immense power within their community, preserving ancient traditions and customs. Intriguingly captured by the "Color-Types of the Races of Men, " a British Association scale lithograph showcases the diverse range people. From Cochin China (Vietnam) in 1818 to Scrimmage in New Caledonia in 1875, these images offer glimpses into their rich heritage. Immerse yourself in their way of life as you witness a fishing village nestled amidst coconut trees. The locals' connection with nature is evident as they rely on its bounties for sustenance. Meanwhile, natives from the South-West Coast demonstrate resilience and adaptability amid challenging circumstances. Marvel at their craftsmanship as you observe New Caledonians constructing traditional houses with intricate designs passed down through generations. The Bay of St. Vincent serves as a picturesque backdrop, highlighting both natural beauty and human ingenuity. Meet Mango, an influential chief who leads his tribe with wisdom and strength. His leadership embodies the essence culture—a harmonious blend between tradition and progress. Witness history unfold through monochrome photographs capturing indigenous police officers patrolling Noumea's streets or scenes from Isle of Pines' album depicting bars and punishment during deportation periods (1878-79). These snapshots provide valuable insights into colonial times while acknowledging past injustices faced by Melanesians. Finally, encounter love personified through a black-and-white photograph showcasing a Kanak man alongside his wife from Canala Tribe—symbolizing unity amidst diversity within this vibrant culture. Melanesia beckons those seeking cultural richness intertwined with breathtaking landscapes.