Tongan Islands
19th century
Length: 21.5 inches (54.5 cm) Width: 5 inches (12.75 cm)
Provenance: English private collection
Carved in an elegant deeply arched form, this classic kali hahapo neck rest from the Tongan Islands was skillfully carved from a single piece of hardwood. Tongan neckrests were used only by high ranking chiefs, employed as pillows that served to keep a man’s elaborate hair style from being disturbed while sleeping. The neckrest has a deep reddish-brown coloration and the well-worn surface displays a fine glossy patina resulting from the neckrest’s many decades of service.
Tongan Islands
19th century
Length: 21.5 inches (54.5 cm) Width: 5 inches (12.75 cm)
Provenance: English private collection
Carved in an elegant deeply arched form, this classic kali hahapo neck rest from the Tongan Islands was skillfully carved from a single piece of hardwood. Tongan neckrests were used only by high ranking chiefs, employed as pillows that served to keep a man’s elaborate hair style from being disturbed while sleeping. The neckrest has a deep reddish-brown coloration and the well-worn surface displays a fine glossy patina resulting from the neckrest’s many decades of service.
