Headrest Neckrest Tonga Islands 19th Century

This elegant form Headrest or Neckrest is from the Tonga Islands which is group of Islands that is part of Polynesia in the Southern Pacific Ocean.  This type of Headrest are traditionally called “kali hahapo”. Carved from a single piece of hardwood. Headrests that were used by people of chiefly descent were tapu or sacred because the head is considered sacred and should not be touched.  Headrests were also used to help keep a man’s elaborate hair style from being disturbed while sleeping.  These beautiful form headrests are highly regarded by collectors for the elegant shape.  This old and well used Headrest dates from the late 19th Century

Provenance: The Nicolai Michoutouckine Collection (1929-2010) Nicolai was an artist of international repute, Russian born and French he lived in Vanuatu for most of his life. A keen collector and promoter of Pacific arts for many decades, his collection was exhibited in a travelling exhibition that went around the world.  Him and his lifetime partner Aloi were also my friends

Exhibited:  Art of the Pacific : The Nicolai Michoutouckine Collection:  in Russia, Sweden Japan Australia

 

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