Gope Spirit Board

Papua New Guinea
19th Century
Previous Collection: John and Marcia Friede, Rye NY
Collected by Thomas Shultz Westrum, 1960s

Spirit Boards called "Gope" are rarely carved from bark. This very early example is totally surreal in conception; with multiple faces carved asymmetrically with large eye orbits and abstract features. The natural curvature of the bark gives dimension to the sculpture. The surface has traces of old pigments and is encrusted from generations of exposure and storage in the men's house.

This board stands 19" tall.
IN 5-5-13/ Price: $4800