Era River. <em>Carved and Painted Board (Gope)</em>, early 20th century. Wood, natural pigments, 53 x 11 x 2 1/2 in. (134.6 x 27.9 x 6.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of John W. Vandercook, 51.118.5. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 51.118.5.jpg)

Carved and Painted Board (Gope)

Artist:Era River

Medium: Wood, natural pigments

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:early 20th century

Dimensions: 53 x 11 x 2 1/2 in. (134.6 x 27.9 x 6.4 cm)

Collections:

Accession Number: 51.118.5

Image: 51.118.5.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
The object is a carved and painted board (gope) that was collected in 1933. It is in good condition. The paint surface is stable. On the back, several cracks are visible. One, 7 in. long, is located at the bottom tip of the board; two others, 14 in. and 4 1/2 in., are located on the central lower portion of the board. Narrow oval plaque of wood is carved with a design consisting of a face inscribed by an attenuated diamond shape whose top and bottom corners are stretched to the edges of the wood. The face itself consists of a forehead and nose that are defined by a T-shaped form, a heart-shaped mouth, and a scroll-like pattern, into which circular eyes are set, that also delineated the sides of the face. A crescent-shaped pattern filled with chevrons completes the top edge of the face. The remaining surface of the board is characterized by four pointed lozenges filled with a carved zigzag pattern.

Brooklyn Museum