Description & Technical information
A very fine classical kali dabala, or chiefly headrest from Tonga. The long flared neck-bar and square sectioned twin feet are representative of the finest architectural design. There is an unequaled finesse in the balance of the volumes and shapes used to construct this mundane device. Every single feature of this headrest is carefully thought out and perfectly crafted to achieve the refinement reserved for a person of the highest rank.
Period: 19th century.
Origin: Tonga, Polynesia
Medium: Hard wood and coconut fiber.
Dimensions: 57.7 x 12.8 x 15.2 cm (22³/₄ x 5 x 6 inches)
Provenance: Ex coll. : Leo Flieschman, Sydney, inv. N° LF/I19 ; Inv. N° Roy 399 ; Galerie Meyer, Paris ; F. Pujol, Barcelona.
Exhibited : OCEANIC HEADRESTS / APPUIE-NUQUE OCEANIENS. Gal. Meyer, Paris, 2004.
Literature: Published : OCEANIC HEADRESTS / APPUIE-NUQUE OCEANIENS. Gal. Meyer, Paris, 2004, N° 59
Categories: Tribal Art
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Galerie Meyer-Oceanic Art
Tribal Art dealer specializing in early Oceanic Art since 1980 and archaic Eskimo Art since 2010
