A Fine Old New Guinea Headrest Coastal Sepik River Area Papua New Guinea

A Fine Old New Guinea Headrest Coastal Sepik River Area Papua New Guinea

This beautiful old and well-used Headrest or Neckrest is from the Coastal Sepik Area in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. Both ends of the Headrest is in the form an Ancestors Head with a small totemic animal coming out of the mouths.  The horizontal support with the head is a single piece of hardwood with a warm old patina from long use. The legs are made from two pieces of cut bamboo.

Sleeping on a Headrest with ancestors heads protects the person when sleeping from malevolent spirits and dreams. Also, the more practical aspect is in many places in New Guinea men had elaborate hairstyles that they spent time and effort to keep looking their best, The headrest helps protect their hairstyles while sleeping.

Provenance: The Todd Barlin Collection Of Papua New Guinea Oceanic Art

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