Papuan Gulf Spirit Board 19
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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, possibly the bottom of a war canoe; and carved in relief with depictions of a figure 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 brown, black and white.
This example exhibits an archaic-style face, attesting to its age and simple but powerful renderings of limbs and a central umbilicus in the form of a triangle. This piece has a primal beauty that is simple while structurally cogent.