Papuan Gulf Gope Board, Elema Culture-Hohao-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
The “hohao” spirit boards from the Elema culture of the eastern Papuan Gulf are recognizable for their striking star-shaped eyes. The proximity of this area to Port Moresby made it one of the most early contacted, 1880s, and subsequently missionized. As such, most of the spirit boards from this region date to the late 19th century—notwithstanding the revival boards made in the 1960s. The present one is unusual for the small head coming off the top. It dates to the late 19th century, stands 36 7/8” (93.7 cm) in height.