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Headrest, C-14 dating: 17th–19th century (inconclusive % probability)
Wood, pigment, bindings, cowrie shell, fiber tassels
17.8 x 73.7 x 10.2 cm (7 x 29 x 4.25 in.)
The Marcia and John Friede Collection, a Promised Gift to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco L05.1.153

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Artist Biography: (none) PROVENANCE: Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art PUBLICATIONS: 2005 - "The female figure probably represents a principle female ancestor. She is embraced by a flying fox fruit bat, which represents protective parenting according to the Awar villagers. They said this was because of the caring manner with which the females carried their young while in flight (personal communication, 1981). The cockatoo may be a clan totem. Headrest carvings are said to focus the dreams of the user on such matters as courage in warfare or spirit themes. (Holzknecht in Greub, 1988: 160 and Meyer, 2004: 6 and 51." (Catalog #213, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 116.)

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Headrest Francisco San Museums Arts Fine Gift Promised Friede John Marcia Art Jolika people Iatmul Oceania Province Sepik East Guinea New Furniture tassels fiber shell cowrie bindings pigment Wood 0709200406050587 A361068 L05.1.153 AOA