Papuan Gulf Spirit Board 17
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Authors
Issue Date
2016-10-04
Type
image
Language
en_US
Keywords
Gope Board , Spirit Boards , Papua New Guinea , Daniel Munzert , James Wasserstrom
Alternative Title
Abstract
Gope Board of classical form, made from a slightly bowed piece of hardwood, the thickness suggesting it was made from the bottom of a war canoe; and carved in relief with depictions of a figurine in two segments in classical style for the region. Originally from the area between the Era River, Purari Delta and Urama region. The board shows age and use, with pigments in red-brown, black and white.
The wonderful stylization on this board is similar to many historical examples in old photos. The segmented body with small umbilicus is very well rendered.