Tonga Kali Dabala Chiefly Headrest

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.

Tonga, Polynesia. Hard wood and coconut fiber. 57.7 x 12.8 x 15.2 x 13 cm. 19th century. Exhibited : OCEANIC HEADRESTS / APPUIE-NUQUE OCEANIENS. Gal. Meyer, Paris, 2004.
 

Provenance Ex coll. : Leo Flieschman, Sydney, inv. N° LF/I19 ; Inv. N° Roy 399 ; Galerie Meyer, Paris ; F. Pujol, Barcelona.

Literature: Published : OCEANIC HEADRESTS / APPUIE-NUQUE OCEANIENS. Gal. Meyer, Paris, 2004, N° 59