For the people of Mandak region, New Ireland,the most dramatic and complex ceremonial events are those surrounding death. The creation and presentation of the Malangan Labadama with its carved figures, masked dancers and feasting is the final tribute by three brothers to a deceased clansman and former leader.
Malangan Labadama: A Tribute to Buk-Buk (1980) is currently not available on any services.
Chris Owen
Institute of Papua New Guinea Studios