Gope Ancestor Spirit Board from Papua New Guinea (PNG)/Oceania Measuring 43.5 Inches Tall by 10 Inches Wide

Gope spirit board collected on location in the 1960s. Boards vary in size, but most have a consistent oblong elliptical shape with low relief carvings of symbolic geometric and figural images representing an ancestral hero. These ancestral heroes represent spirits who protect members of the clan from bad luck, sickness, and death. 

This example has an elongated form with an abstract spirit figure, the face is on upper third surrounded by abstract curvilinear designs in white natural pigments carved in recessed patterns with some black reddish pigments as well, abstracted hands on the center portion, and a small nombril belly button in the center terminating in more curved white patterned designs.

A genuine ritual object from Papua New Guinea that would make for an impactful wall hanging or a stunning addition to any public or private Tribal Art Collection from Oceania. The muted earth tone colors would also complement a wide range of interiors from Mid-Century, California Coastal, Organic Inspired or Coastal Modern Design.

Build a collection! Explore our other Wooden Carvings and Masks from our Papua New Guinea (PNG)/Oceania Collection.

Place of Origin: Era River Region, Papua New Guinea (PNG)

Date of Manufacture: 1950s-1960s

Condition: Excellent

Wear: Consistent with age and use. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions: 43.5 in. H X 10 in. W X 1.5 D

Reference: Examples can be found in the permanent collections of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Brooklyn Museum