Michael Mel is of the Mogei community in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG). He completed a Ph.D. from Flinders University in South Australia has worked to promote Indigenous art through teaching, writing, curating and performing in PNG, Australia, New Caledonia, the UK, Canada and the US. He is currently Manager for Pacific and International Collection at the Australian Museum. He was appointed to the position since November 2016.

Mbu Rui is the ceremonial axe for the Mogei. Crafted by skilled crafts person, it is owned and held by the wo nuim – a male knowledgeable in history of lineage and ancestry, articulate and proficient in language and poetry, respectful and considerate in demeanour, conducts his affairs with wisdom and insight, and maintains material wealth and links to neighbouring clans. It is a marker of him as wo nuim. Carried in the hand or worn with the handle tucked in his bark belt on the side and blade facing back, he steps out for an oration during special exchange ceremonies.

Collected from the Mt Hagen area in the early sixties and sold recently in a Sydney Tribal Art Fair. In private collection.

Credit: Collected from the Mt Hagen area in the early sixties and sold recently in a Sydney Tribal Art Fair. In private collection.

Illustration by Cecelia Faumuina.

Paper prepared by Michael Mel