Gope Spirit Board

Papua New Guinea, 19th c.
Previous Collections: Thomas Schultz Westrum, Germany, John Friede, Rye, New York

Despite the fact this early, stone carved Gope Board is fragmentary; I consider it a wonderful work of art. Its deeply carved face is very beautiful and expressive. Below the face, a stylized upper torso is carved in relief, with flowing arms off to the side and a raised umbilical at its center. At the bottom of the Gope where there is loss, remains of the sex is still evident. The original organic red pigment is still intact. The wood shows great oxidation, especially on its back. It is also very dry and the surface patina is very old.

The height of this Gope is 15.5 in
IN 11-9-12/ SOLD