A mono-bloc headrest, or kali carved in a single fluid line - the incurving legs with beveled feet supporting the concave neck-bar. This singular type of headrest is specific to the Tongan Islands and is called kali hahapo. While there seem to be no specific definitions for this remarkably elegant and simple design I offer that it possibly represents the cosmos - the heavens supported on the two sides by the gentle curves of the horizon’s edge.

Possibly Tongatapu Island, Tonga, Polynesia. Iron wood “toa“. 33.3 x 10 x 16.8 x 14 cm. 19th century.

Ex Private collection, England.

Ill. & Exhibited: OCEANIC HEADRESTS / APPUIE-NUQUE OCEANIENS N° 57, P. 86 of the Catalogue, Galerie Meyer, Paris. 2004.