Papuan Gulf Gope Spirit Board
Here is a large, old Papuan Gulf gope spirit board with full figure. I love the eyes are conceived as two birds, the long hanging arms with pointed fingers and the disembodied legs sectioned off below. Notice the piercings, not only the nose but on the sides of the head and a tassel at the crotch. The backside of the board is absolutely everything you could wish in an early board—deeply concaved and beautiful scalloped adze marks. The board is ex. Christie’s Amsterdam, 12 September 2002, lot 7. It dates to the early 20th century, is large at 77 ½” (196.8 cm) in height and the price is available upon request.