Headrest
Unidentified artist
Artist Unidentified, Pacific Islander
early 20th century
Object PlaceTami Island, Papua New Guinea
Medium/TechniqueWood
DimensionsOverall: 15.2 x 12.1 x 6.4 cm (6 x 4 3/4 x 2 1/2 in.)
Credit LineGift of Clifford S. Ackley in memory of Stuart Cary Welch
Accession number2009.5341
On View
Not on viewClassificationsDecorative arts
Collections
This headrest is carved from hardwood and well polished to accentuate details, such as the hands of the two kneeling ancestor figures supporting an elliptical "pillow "on their heads as if it were their ceremonial headdress. The configuration and motif of this work are typical of classical Tami headrests.
Provenance1965 or 1966, sold by Gallery Lemaire, Amsterdam to Clifford Ackley, Boston; 2009, gift of Clifford Ackley to the MFA. (Accession date: January 20, 2010)
18th–19th century
20th century
20th century, 1950–2000