This Tree-Fern figure was given to Commander Carey in exchange for a yard of red calico.This figure was carved from the trunk of a tree fern by the indigenous peoples of the island of Mallicollo (Malekula) in the Republic of Vanuatu. It was brought to Guernsey by William Maule Carey, who joined the Royal Navy in 1859 and retired as Captain in 1896. He served and fought in the seas around Japan, Australia, New Zealand and China. His position brought him into contact with many native peoples of the South Pacific Ocean. Statues of this type are sometimes made to represent ancestral figures or act as an "abode" for the spirit of an ancestor to inhabit. They are an integral part of the Nimangki ceremony in which men pass through a number of ritual grades or levels within the society and are directly related to their status and power. This carving was given to Commander Carey in exchange for a yard of red calico.
Tree fern figure
Contributed by Guernsey Museum
Most of the content on A History of the World is created by the contributors, who are the museums and members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ or the British Museum. The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site’s House Rules please Flag This Object.
About this object
Click a button to explore other objects in the timeline
- Location
- Period
- Theme
- Size
-
- H:
- 180cm
- Colour
- Material
View more objects from people in Guernsey.
Find out more
Podcast
Highlights from the collection
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iD
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ navigation
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ links
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Â© 2014 The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Share this link: