While many hohao have abstract, geometric designs evocative of human features, some demonstrate fluid, curvilinear representations of the figure.
Spirit board, hohao
TC 55
Provenance: David Rosenthal, San Francisco, 2004 Dave DeRoche, San Francisco
Dimensions: H. 148 cm
Ethnic Group: Elema
Culture: Papua New Guinea, Papuan Gulf
Publishing History: Robert Welsch, Virginia-Lee Webb, Sebastian Haraha. Coaxing the Spirits to Dance: Art and Society in the Papuan Gulf. New Hampshire, Hood Museum of Art, 2006:14 (Fig.15).
Virginia-Lee Webb. Embodied Spirits. Gope Boards from the Papuan Gulf. Milan. 5 Continents Editions 2015:74 (Plate 9).
Exhibition History: Coaxing the Spirits to Dance: Art and Society in the Papuan Gulf. Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, April 1 – September 17, 2006 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York October 24, 2006 – December 2, 2007
