Gope Board c. 20th century

This Gope Board, created by an anonymous artist sometime in the 20th century, is a striking example of Oceanic art. The board, carved from wood and painted with red, white, and black pigments, features a central design of two stylized birds flanking a circular motif, all within a larger geometric framework. The board’s elongated shape and intricate patterns are characteristic of Gope Boards, which were used in rituals and ceremonies in the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea. The Minneapolis Institute of Art holds this work in its collection.