Votive Board Called Gope - Papua New Guinea First Half Of The 20th Century

VOTIVE BOARD called Gope or Hohao or Kwoi
Kwai Island culture, Papua New Guinea
First half of the 20th century 
Wood and pigments 
H. 98 cm, L 20.5 cm 
 
Also known as Gope, Hohao or Koi depending on the region, these "spirit boards" were monoxyle shaped like a tapering mandorla, with a portrait of a tutelary Imunu genie carved in bas-relief. This spirit could refer to a clan ancestor or an individual.
They were kept in the alcoves of houses. 
 
This example features a stylised smiling face with ochre features outlined in black on a white background. Four other abstract compositions punctuate the plate. 
 
"Each board was given a name that corresponded to the imunu, or spirit, that might reside there [...]. [...] These imunu lived in the various places around the village - forest, water hole in the river, even in the sea - and were at the centre of the religious system: they protected a family, ensuring its well-being and survival. They accompanied and protected the men in their various actions". Peltier in Eclectique. A 21st century collection, 2016, p. 148.
 
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
 
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