Northern New Ireland is known for traditional ceremonies and feasts called malagan, which are held to honor people who have died. Preparation for a malagan typically begins shortly after a funeral though the ceremony may not take place for several years. Significant planning is required because leaders organize performances, prepare large feasts, and create elaborate masks, boards, and sculptures. These works of art are also referred to as malagan.

Malagan objects are used or shown in vertical display stages during part of the malagan ceremony. Masks are primarily used to remove taboos, and figural sculptures represent the life force of a clan. At the height of the ritual, ownership of the rights to create malagan objects passes to the next generation.