So-called ‘Gope boards’, such as this one, depicted important ancestors belonging to the clans of the Papua tribes of the Kerewa, Elema, Purari etc. The region includes the Papua Gulf and the rivers flowing into the sea in a vast area on the southern coast of New Guinea (Fly River, Wapo Creek, Kikori River etc.).
The ‘Gope ancestor boards’ are oblong, flat boards made of light-coloured wood, in the front side of which either the face or the entire figure of important ancestors is carved in relief. The surfaces of this relief were dyed with soot and earth colours. Entire galleries of ‘Gope boards’, such as this one, would stand in men’s houses in Papua settlements, reminding the inhabitants of their ancestors.
The present ‘Gope board’ displays the very finely executed face of an ancestor at its centre. The surrounding surfaces are carved with four similar, tight geometric patterns in relief. Dyed black with soot, and red and white with earth colours. Good, old patina (borders!) and good condition, only minor pieces broken off on the rim and on the relief. First third of the 20th century; H: 114 cm, W; 27.5 cm. (ME)

Provenance: According to information supplied by the consignor, the present ‘Gope board’ was acquired by her parents in New Guinea during a journey to Australia and New Guinea in 1939/1940.

Lit.: ‘Art Papou’, catalogue Musées de Marseille, ill. p. 10, ill. 176–179, 184; ‘Ozeanische Kunst’ by Anthony JP. Meyer, ill. 102, 110, 111 et passim.