Papuan Gulf Spirit Board-Harry Franklin Collection-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
Papuan Gulf Spirit Board, titi ebiha
Kerewa culture, Goaribari Island area, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea
Harry A. Franklin (O626), Beverly Hills
Pre-contact, stone-carved, late 19th century
47 ¼” (120 cm) in height
Attached paper tag inscribed “#45 / Papua G. / Gope / (#5002) / 47 ½” / Rare / EBT / EJABI.”
The spirit face ringed in concentric circles is classic for Goaribari Island. What is exceptional here are the dashes of blue pigment, breathing fresh life into an iconic motif.