Tomkins Collection

Spirit board, hohao

TC 106
Provenance: Sotheby’s Paris, June 15, 2004 Peter and Veena Schnell, 2004 Ohly, London, 1963 Kenneth John Hewett, London, 1961
Dimensions: H. 129 cm
Ethnic Group:

This board incorporates many of the classic design motifs found in the art of the Papuan Gulf; bands of geometric, parallel chevron patterns alternating in white and black against the natural unpainted wood, an abstract body with a diamond-shaped navel, an expressive face framed by a crescent brow, upturned almond-shaped eyes, open mouth with jagged teeth, and a triangular shaped three-dimensional nose.

Publishing History: Virginia-Lee Webb. Embodied Spirits. Gope Boards from the Papuan Gulf. Milan. 5 Continents Editions 2015: 102 (Plate 23).
Exhibition History: Coaxing the Spirits to Dance: Art in the Papuan Gulf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. October 24, 2006 – December 2, 2007
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