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Large Oceanic Gope Carved Wooden Ancestor Spirit Board
About the Item
An Oceanic "Gope" Papuan ancestral spirit board, 20th century, collected from the Gulf Province, Papua, New Guinea, Kerewa or Hohao village tribe.
Hand-carved and polychrome painted using only primitive tools and pigments to create red ochre, lime to whiten and black from soot. The ritual sculpture was likely carved from an old canoe, if crafted at wartime, the remains of an enemy's canone were preferred. Having an elliptical oblong plank form, with low relief carvings of symbolic geometric and figural images representing an ancestral hero throughout.
The boards are believed to protect the island clansmen from evil spirits and death. Tribes had communal men's house, divided into cubicles, each allotted to a particular clan or sub clan. Each cubicle contained a clan shrine, which housed the spirit board, figures, and animal and human skulls and other sacred objects associated with the clan.
During headhunting missions the boards are consulted as to which enemy to attack and the ancestors spirit was thought to go in advance of the warriors to sap the enemies of their strength and power.
Accompanied by metal hanging stand.
Dimensions (approx):
56"high, 10"wide, 8.25lbs.
- Dimensions:Height: 56 in (142.24 cm)Width: 2 in (5.08 cm)Depth: 10 in (25.4 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Forney, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5977226968702
About the Seller
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Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Forney, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
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