Product Description

Papuan Gulf Gopi Board, Papua New Guinea. Gopi (Gope) Boards are made in the Papuan Gulf region of Papua New Guinea. Small, unnamed gopis are given to uninititiated boys. However the larger ones are more important and are made by a young man’s uncle for the nephew’s initiation. Each one is named and the carver/uncle dances with it during the initiation ceremony. After that it is used in the men’s house to guard clan areas and headhunting skull displays.

Designs are traditional for clans and families with a little room for artistic freedom. Styles are unique to various villages and regions of the area. Gopis are still made and used by Gulf tribes. This gopi measures 36.5 inches tall and 8.5 inches wide.

Price: $120 plus $25 shipping costs* for a total cost of $145

*If I am shipping to you outside the US, please contact me for shipping costs. I will get back to you with a total. If you want to pay for the item via PayPal to lock it in, you can do that and I will let you know the shipping fees and will bill you via PayPal.