Spirit Board

Papua New Guinea, 19th C.
Previous Collections: Thomas Schultz Westrum, Germany & John Friede, Rye NY

This old Gope board is a good example of the surrealist mind set the early Papuan’s possessed. In comparison to later styles this board shows a raw purity in form; almost a dream-like quality to the art. The stylized figure is whimsical with its expressive face and minimized humanoid features. Being stone carved we know there was no western influence with this object; this fact alone will justify the pure archaic character this piece has. The colors are powerful yet muted because they are organic pigments not western paint like many late examples. The wood shows good oxidation and the surface patina is very old.

This Gope board stands 21.5 inches tall.

11-7-11 / SOLD