Tongan
19th century
Wood
Length: 21 1/2 in. (54.5 cm); Width: 5 in. (12.75 cm)
Provenance: English private collection
The kali hahapo is a neckrest used exclusively by high-ranking Tongan chiefs, functioning as a pillow to preserve elaborate hairstyles during sleep. Hairstyles carried social and status meaning in Tonga, and the neckrest was a functional object tied directly to the maintenance of chiefly appearance and protocol. This example dates to the nineteenth century and comes from an English private collection.
The piece is carved from a single piece of hardwood in a deeply arched form with two flared, slightly splayed legs and a smoothly curved upper rail, the profile consistent with documented Tongan neckrest typology. The wood has developed a deep reddish-brown tone with a fine glossy patina across the full surface, the result of sustained handling over many decades of use. The form is well-proportioned and cleanly executed throughout.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Tongan
19th century
Wood
Length: 21 1/2 in. (54.5 cm); Width: 5 in. (12.75 cm)
Provenance: English private collection
The kali hahapo is a neckrest used exclusively by high-ranking Tongan chiefs, functioning as a pillow to preserve elaborate hairstyles during sleep. Hairstyles carried social and status meaning in Tonga, and the neckrest was a functional object tied directly to the maintenance of chiefly appearance and protocol. This example dates to the nineteenth century and comes from an English private collection.
The piece is carved from a single piece of hardwood in a deeply arched form with two flared, slightly splayed legs and a smoothly curved upper rail, the profile consistent with documented Tongan neckrest typology. The wood has developed a deep reddish-brown tone with a fine glossy patina across the full surface, the result of sustained handling over many decades of use. The form is well-proportioned and cleanly executed throughout.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
