Memorial Figure

Standing man; on small round base. Wood; eyes painted; green painted neck pendant; grass skirt indicated by vertical stripes of blue, yellow, white, rose. Wig of vegetable fibre. The light skin shows that it is supposed to represent what the West Nakanai call lariau, someone of light skin and "sharp" nose, local marks of beauty. These figures used to be made in memory of dead individuals; this one was paraded in connection with the festivities celebrating the local (Catholic) priest's birthday.