Neckrest, 19th century, 4 7/8 x 18 1/8 x 4 3/16 in. (12.38 x 46.04 x 10.64 cm), Wood, Fiji Islands, 19th century, Headrests were used throughout Oceania. Often regarded as status objects, headrests were important because they support the head, believed to be a person's spiritual center. In Fiji, headrests were reserved for chiefs and possibly helped to protect their elaborate hairstyles. The abstract form, balance, and grace of this carved headrest are exemplary of the sophisticated craftsmanship in Fijian art.
Keywords:
Neckrest, 19th century, Wood, Fiji Islands, 19th century, Headrests, Oceania, Often regarded, status objects, headrests, important, support, head, believed, person's spiritual center, Fiji, headrests, reserved, chiefs, helped, protect, elaborate hairstyles, abstract form, balance, grace, carved headrest, exemplary, sophisticated craftsmanship, Fijian art
Image ID:
The watermark in the image will not appear on the final download.