There has long been the unexplicated assumption that the art of the Papuan Gulf and the Asmat bears a striking similarity. The motifs on this gope give credence to that observation. Symmetrical and curvilinear designs that bring to mind the shell nose ornaments called bipane by the Asmat, are seen in the lower center of this board. One can also make a case that abstract renditions of flying foxes or praying mantis are present. In form they may remind us of specific animals and creatures that inhabit the earth, but in the end they represent the spirits that the artist saw and wanted to placate, thus, carving this beautiful spirit board. Simultaneously, the entire board can be seen as a single spirit floating just under the water's surface, arms moving from the undulating and gentle waves.

Provenance:
Michael Hamson, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 2008
George Craig