Description:

Polynesia, Fiji, Lau Archipelago, 19th century CE. A hand-carved wooden headrest of an elegant Minimalist style, presenting a gently curved platform supported by two integral out-curved legs that seamlessly continue downward and kick out a bit to create feet at the bottom. The wood itself is inherently beautiful, boasting warm russet red hues and a lovely patina. The creation of headrests in Polynesia is regarded as a special artform, because the human head is considered to embody the essence of humanity and is associated with spiritual power. Furthermore, headrests are coveted as objects of prestige signifying their owner's elite position in society. Size: 14" W x 5.75" H (35.6 cm x 14.6 cm)

See a similar example, only with openwork legs, in the Fowler Museum at UCLA The Jerome L. Joss Collection. X86.2409.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Michael Evans collection, New Zealand, 2008; purchased in 1943 by Collins Shaw

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#154566

  • Condition: Light wear on surface commensurate with age including some tiny chips and scratches, but overall in excellent condition with very rich patina.

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May 7, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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