Why were some malanggan carvings destroyed or abandoned after ceremonies?

In the context of Melanesian culture, malanggan carvings from New Ireland are considered ephemeral art. These intricate works were created specifically for use in ritual ceremonies, such as funerary rites, the validation of land claims, or the establishment of subclans.123

Because these carvings were intended to serve a functional role within these specific, temporary events—often to enhance the prestige of those organizing the festivals—they were typically abandoned or destroyed once the ceremonies concluded. This practice aligns with other traditions in the region, such as the fern bole carvings of Vanuatu, which were similarly created for ceremonial purposes and not intended for long-term preservation.21