Woman wearing full mourning costume, Melanesia, 1920. Artist: Gunnar Landtman

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images

Woman wearing full mourning costume, Melanesia, 1920. Artist: Gunnar Landtman

Woman wearing full mourning costume, Melanesia, 1920. After the death of a man his wife is secluded in an enclosure of mats, she smears her body in mud, wails continuously and only goes out at night. When she finally leaves the enclosure she wears a costume of grass. A print from Customs of the World, Hutchinson and Company, 1920

Heritage Images features heritage image collections

Media ID 14925817

© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images

Ethnography Grass Melanesia Melanesian Mourning Mourning Dress Pacific Islands Print Collector12 Tradition Widow Gunnar

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Arts > Artists > Related Images

> Arts > Portraits > Black and white portraits > Fine art portraits

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photo print, captured by the talented artist Gunnar Landtman in 1920, showcases a woman wearing a full mourning costume in Melanesia. The image provides a glimpse into the intriguing customs and traditions surrounding death and mourning in this Pacific island region. After the passing of her husband, the woman is secluded within an enclosure made of mats. During this period of mourning, she covers her body with mud as a symbolic gesture of grief. Her continuous wailing echoes through the night, expressing her profound sorrow. When she eventually emerges from seclusion, she adorns herself in a striking grass costume. This unique attire serves as both an emblem of widowhood and a testament to her resilience during this challenging time. Landtman's photograph captures not only the physical appearance but also conveys the emotional weight carried by this grieving woman. Through his lens, we witness her strength amidst immense loss. The monochrome composition adds depth to this powerful portrait while emphasizing the timeless nature of these cultural practices that have endured for centuries. It serves as a reminder that even in our modern world, ancient traditions continue to shape our understanding of life's most profound moments. Gunnar Landtman's masterful depiction invites us to contemplate themes such as love, loss, tradition, and resilience – universal concepts that transcend time and place.

MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.