A Superb Fijian Chief’s Headrest 19th Century Polynesia

This a very rare type of Fijian Headrest or Neckrest is from the 19th Century.  The Headrest two large round feet & open work bar between them,  the feet are not flat at all being that the headrests were used on bamboo floors covered with traditional mats that also were not flat. Made from a hard heavy reddish coloured wood probably vesi .

I was only able to find a couple of similar Neckrests, one in the Fijian National Museum catalogue ” Yalo i Viti ” 1986  on page 41 (see photo above) the bottom Neckrest also has two large round feet connected by a flat bar between the feet. The Description reads ”  Kali Headrest Height 13.4 x 46cm length. FM # 90.108 Presented by John Goepel ; Headrest of Ritova , Tui Macuata one of the Chief’s who signed the Deed of Cession whereby  Viti became a British Colony of 10 October 1874.  There is one other photo above that shows another style of the Headrest with two large round feet.

In Fiji, headrests were reserved for chiefs and their head was regarded as sacred and should not be allowed to touch the ground.  The Headrests also helped to protect their elaborate hairstyles while sleeping and also they kept the head cool at night

The abstract form, balance, and grace of this carved headrest show the sophisticated craftsmanship in Fijian art.

Provenance: The Todd Barlin Collection of Oceanic Art