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Lot Essay
The Era River is situated approximately in the middle of the Papuan Gulf. We can compare the Beyeler gope board to another one published in Newton (1961, fig.166) belonging to the Amsterdam Tropenmuseum (inv.2670-276). The author notes that the Era gope boards 'have a consistent form in which heads with necks are distinguished at the upper ends'.
The Beyeler board presents a magnificent low relief decoration highlighted by three different color pigments. Three overlaid surrealistic faces are carved on the body's silhouette. Even though gope boards are usually flat, the present board has a significant curve which gives a subtle vibrancy. It is possible that it was carved from an old canoe. These boards were carved as a receptacle for powerful spirits and were kept inside the men's house in order to allow the spirits to communicate with men.
Old label at the back Ahnentafeln, New Guinea and multiple inscriptions Era.
The Beyeler board presents a magnificent low relief decoration highlighted by three different color pigments. Three overlaid surrealistic faces are carved on the body's silhouette. Even though gope boards are usually flat, the present board has a significant curve which gives a subtle vibrancy. It is possible that it was carved from an old canoe. These boards were carved as a receptacle for powerful spirits and were kept inside the men's house in order to allow the spirits to communicate with men.
Old label at the back Ahnentafeln, New Guinea and multiple inscriptions Era.