WASHKUK HILLS SPIRIT BOARD, MAYO PEOPLE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

WASHKUK HILLS SPIRIT BOARD, MAYO PEOPLE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Extremely rare this shield-like sculpture is a memorial boards for revered New Guinea ancestors. While they are carved throughout the region of the Gulf of Papua, they are most popularly produced by the Kerebo culture of Goaribari Island. The indigenous name for the sculptures varies among the different dialects. While all such boards serve basically the same purpose, the names are variously interpreted as “spirit board,” “sacred board ”or “ancestor tablet.” Provenance: Collection of Edward Frey, the author of The Kris: Mystic Weapon of the Malay World (Images of Asia).

Dimensions : Height: 60 in., width: 14 3/4 in. (152,5 cm., 37,5 cm.)
Condition : Very good. Please refer to the provided images for details.