Hornbill Carving at The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich

myminifactory

This sculpture showcases a Papuan hornbill, a majestic bird that thrives in the wilds of New Ireland. Alongside it, a frigate bird, two skeletal fish and a human figure are intricately carved, suggesting this piece originated from a Totenboot - a vessel used for mortuary purposes. This carving would have been displayed proudly on a canoe at the peak of the Malagan, a series of grand feasts and ceremonies where the deceased were paid heartfelt tribute. This remarkable object is part of "Scan The World", an innovative project launched by MyMiniFactory to create a comprehensive digital archive of 3D printable masterpieces from around the globe. These stunning sculptures, artworks and landmarks are now accessible for free to anyone, thanks to this forward-thinking initiative. Scan The World is a community-driven effort that relies on the generosity of individuals like you. If you have something fascinating nearby and would love to contribute, simply email stw@myminifactory.com to discover how you can be part of this extraordinary project.