The term malagan refers to sculptures, rights owned by individuals or related families, and complex series of associated rituals. Figure sculptures in wood are the dominant art forms of malagan, as well as masks, openwork carved and painted panels, and intricate horizontal carvings depicting birds, fish, or reptiles. The three islands of Tabar off the north coast of the mainland are said to be the source of many malagan ritual traditions and ideas that the people inherited from their ancestors. (Gunn in Gunn & Peltier 2006: 160) Like the tradition of uli figures on the mainland, figures from Tabar often have faces painted black and with wide open mouths with teeth showing. This figure firmly holds a bird (probably a hornbill) that often serves as a clan symbol.
