Collection Online

Yopomeshe, hoposhopo (Yopomeshe, the caterpillar)
1988

Medium
earth and natural pigments on sago palm petiole
Measurements
131.1 × 66.9 cm
Place/s of Execution
Bangwis village, Washkuk Hills, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
Accession Number
2001.408
Department
Pacific Art
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased through the NGV Foundation with the assistance of The Thomas William Lasham Fund, Founder Benefactor, 2001
© Courtesy of the copyright holder
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation
Gallery location
Not on display
Physical description
The brightly coloured caterpillar (hoposhopo) named yopomeshe depicted in this painting is one of the largest found in the Washkuk Hills. The yopomeshe caterpillar is possibly the larval form of one of the giant Birdwing butterflies that abound in this region. In this painting, the four black pointed ovals represent different segments of the caterpillar’s body. The yellow triangles outlined in white and red on the two sides depict its many short legs (yatii).