Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Southern Highlands, Huli people, ca. mid-20th century CE. An intriguing wig with a cloth-covered reed frame wrapped in thick tufts of human hair. The circular bottom enables the wearer to comfortably don the wig, and lateral protrusions imbue the wearer with an appearance of having successfully achieved manhood. Throughout the wig are string-wrapped twigs, red feathers, tufts of lighter-colored hair, and small flowers. Huli boys are sent to live with master wigmakers once they reach age 12, and there they learn the secrets to growing quality hair. Boys must grow and cut their hair throughout their lives to create their own wigs and are not considered to be worthy of marriage or manhood until having done so. Lucite head for display purposes only. Size: 23.5" W x 7" H (59.7 cm x 17.8 cm).

Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985

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#147670

  • Condition: Wearable as shown. Slight deformation to lateral protrusions, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.

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November 14, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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