ceremonial board
ceremonial board
Creation date
1940-1960
Materials
wood, pigment
Dimensions
48 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 1 in.
Credit line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
Accession number
1989.1461
Collection
Not Currently On View
Papuan Gulf art features two-dimensional painted surfaces with shallow carving, emphasizing line and color. A simple human figure is carved on this board, although only the eyes, nose and forehead are easily recognizable. The boards are kept in the men's house, and it is likely that the figure on the surface represents a protective ancestor spirit.
