Post #344049 by Basement Kahuna on Thu, Nov 15, 2007 8:56 AM

A Paupua New Guinea Gope or Gopa, an initiation carving, usually bearing resemblance to a shield (which is what I usually call them to foster a better understanding). They are really a type of clan/ancestor talisman, carved at each stage of a male's initiation. This is basically a dwelling place for the power of his ancestors placed in the Haus Tambarin, or sacred men's meeting house of the village. This keeps that power there and guides and protects him in his growth, social life, and decisions. At each initiation the old boards are burned and a new one carved, until the man reaches the final stage, for which the high Gope, the Darimo Ibiha is carved. I have done repros of these for years, as the real ones are hard to find but they are very appealing visually. The Mai Kai features two of my Gope Boards, in the garden.