Following the celebrations of the New Ireland Provincial Day in NCD last week, the Malangan was given a special traditional rite.
With approval from Parliament Speaker, the traditional dancers from Langenia Village performed outside parliament before the Malangan mask was released to its new home.
The new resting place will be beside New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan’s Crescent outside Parliament House.
Present at the ceremony was Mining Minister and Namatanai MP Byron Chan, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, Minister for Public Enterprise and Kavieng MP Ben Micah.
Member for Kundiawa Gembolg, Tobias Kulang was there, representing the People’s Progress Party in which Sir Julius was the founder and Micah is now the Party Leader.
For the people of New Ireland, the Malangan Mask is a form of government, it represents respect and leadership.
It hails from the sacred men’s house were rules are made, discipline instilled in the men and where traditions are kept alive.
The dancers from Langenia village, Central New Ireland were led by Fabian Paino, a local Malangan Mask Carver.
Fabian is a Cultural Ambassador for the people of New Ireland. He has travelled overseas to showcase the Malangan Mask and what it represents.
However, he raised concerns that Papua New Guinea must be promoted more in the international tourism markets.
A special shelter will be constructed next to Sir Julius Cresent to house the Malangan Mask soon.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=xIKtyZ7w-ik%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
previous post