5 - Spirit Tablet, "Gope"

Spirit Tablet, "Gope" Era River, Papua New Guinea Without base Wood. H 172 cm. W 43 cm. Provenance: - E. Herrmann, Pforzheim. - Irène (1921–1996) and Kurt (1912–1989) Gaugler, Wilderswil. - Urs Gaugler (1945–2022), Aargau. - Swiss private collection, Aargau. According to confirmed family provenance, the objects offered under lot numbers 2–6 originate from the collection of the Pforzheim jewelry manufacturer E. Herrmann, who, according to biographical information from the Rietberg Museum in Zurich, also served as an ambassador. The works were passed down from him to his daughter, Irène Gaugler, née Herrmann (1921–1996). Together with her first husband, Dr. Kurt Gaugler (1912–1989), she founded the international girls’ school “Sunny Dale” in Adelboden in 1949. The institute, which specialized in languages, general education, and business subjects, was relocated in 1954 to Villa Unspunnen in Wilderswil near Interlaken. After the couple separated in the 1960s, Irène continued to run the institute. Villa Unspunnen now serves as a retreat center. The Oceanic origin of the objects is biographically linked to the Gaugler family and the collector Ulrich Frey (1934–2019). Frey, who was married to Irène Gaugler-Herrmann in his later years, bequeathed a collection of 35 works of art from Papua New Guinea and Peru (including Oceanic figures and shields, formerly from the Serge Brignoni Collection) to the Museum Rietberg in Zurich. In contrast to this bequest, the collection offered here remained in the family’s possession and was passed down within the family. Shortly before her death in 1996, Irène Gaugler gifted the objects offered here to her son, Urs Gaugler. After his death in 2022, they passed into the possession of his wife. CHF 1,000 / 2,000 Weight in grams: 8,400 Condition: Hammer Auctions places great importance on providing a careful and as precise as possible description of all lots offered in the catalog. Each lot is documented with multiple photographs intended to provide as comprehensive an impression as possible of its condition. This includes, in particular, visible signs of wear, irregularities, and age-related changes. We recommend that all interested parties and bidders carefully examine the photographs before submitting a bid, as they form an essential part of the lot description. In addition, we recommend viewing the items in person before the auction, if possible. All condition descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and belief and are based on our professional assessment. They are provided for informational purposes only and do not claim to be exhaustive. In particular, there may be age- or use-related characteristics that are neither explicitly mentioned nor visible in the photographs. Hammer Auctions assumes no liability for unintentional errors or omissions in the condition descriptions to the extent permitted by law. However, we always strive to resolve any ambiguities or concerns in a transparent, fair, and straightforward manner. Should a lot deviate in material respects from its catalog description, Hammer Auctions offers a return option in accordance with the following provisions. Buyers may report such a deviation in writing within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the lot. If the complaint is justified, the lot may be returned by mutual agreement. The purchase price will be refunded in full upon receipt and inspection of the returned item. We are always happy to assist you personally with any questions, additional photographs, or further information.