Minneapolis Institute of Art

Neckrest

Fiji

Date

19th century

Medium

Wood

Department

Arts of Oceania

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Headrests and neckrests have been used throughout the Pacific Islands. Often regarded as status objects, headrests have been important in cultures where the head is believed to be a person’s spiritual center. In Fiji, headrests were reserved for chiefs and possibly helped to protect their elaborate hairstyles. The abstract form, balance, and grace of this carved headrest are exemplary of the sophisticated craftsmanship in Fijian art. Fiji Islands, Oceania

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