Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik River region, ca. mid-20th century CE. A small headrest carved in the form of a turtle with incised motifs along the sides. Hair is an important status symbol among Indigenous Papua New Guinea cultures - maintaining hair was extremely important amongst both men and women. Sprinkling water on the hair, shaping the curls, diet, headrests while sleeping - like this example, and magic are believed to encourage quicker growth. The headrest would keep the head elevated and protect any elaborate coiffures, and the totemic animal may also imbue strength to the sleeper. Size: 17.5" L x 7" W x 4" H (44.4 cm x 17.8 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: private Van Buskirk collection, Tucson, Arizona USA

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#183773

  • Condition: Minor surface chips and abrasions. A few hairline fissures, otherwise intact.

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March 8, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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