Three Old Headrests from the Tufi District Oro Province, Papua New Guinea

These three finely carved Headrest from the Tufi area are called Gira Kukai in the local dialect and are an iconic object from this area. They were used by both Men & Women when sleeping so as not to disturb their finely coiffured hair styles.  Sorry the middle Headrest is sold

The openwork geometric designs remind me of small architectural models.

They are  quite unique in being different heights & widths and two of these have incised geometrical designs on the base.

One has to wonder if the person who was going to use the headrest requested a specific height or width for their maximum comfort just as when we shop for just the right pillow height.

All three of theses Headrest are well used and date from the late 19^th to early 20^th Century.

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If you have a similar “object” for sale please contact me for the best price and honest advice by a Government approved valuer 

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