19TH C. TONGAN KALI NECKREST W/ BRIDGED FEET
Origin:
Period/Date: Likely first quarter of the 19th century
Materials: likely camphor wood
Description: This terrific headrest "Kali Laloni" shows elegance of form and is one of the rare examples having delicate bridged feet still being intact! When you consider how old this piece is and how wafer thin these horizontal bridges are, it is amazing they are still present. Its gracefully curved pillow is thin which is an important attribute of high quality specimens. Each of its feet are attached with its original Sennit binding and sit on soft angles giving the piece added character. Studying the tools marks suggests that a coral rasp was used in its finishing as well as stones for polishing? In good condition with on old glued mend to the rounded side of the foot arch support (all original). It has acquired a dark rich original patina turning to red. An important Polynesian object imbued with "mana".
A related headrest can be see on page 263 figure 255 of "Pacific Encounters, Art & Divinity in Polynesia"
Dimensions: Length: 18.5" (47.5 cm), Width 5 1/8" (13 cm), Height: 6" (15.3 cm)
Price: $4800 Currency Conversion FREE SHIPPING When Using "Buy Now" Feature
showing an old glued mend on the leg
