Tami Headrest Konietzko/Bretschnieder

A very fine and early headrest supported by two kneeling female, balum or kami, ancestor figures. This example was definitely collected in the early colonial period at a time when European influence was limited. The overall workmanship is refined and the composition well balanced with the two massive, caryatide figures supporting the large oval plateau with their heads.
 
Apart from their generic name the ancestral figures also have their own individual names, which are related to the family group to which they belong. Headrests were a status symbol but also had a practical use protecting the elaborate hair arrangements from being crushed in sleep.
 
Tami Area, Huon Gulf, PNG, Melanesia. Hard wood (quila), lime and red and black pigment with a patina of age and light wear.
15 x 13 x 8 cm.
19th century.

 

Provenance Several collection inventory numbers :
B 979 painted on the lateral edge of the baseplate is the inventory number of Ludwig Bretschneider, Munich
012 in white paint on the bottom is the number of Lore Kegel / Boris Kegel-Konietzko, the famed dealers in Hamburg.
83 89 766 in pencil on the bottom is unidentified so far.
 
Ex coll. :
Ex Ludwig Bretschneider, Munich, N° B.979
Collection of the dealers Lore Kegel & Boris Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg acquired from Bretschnieder in 1951.
Probably acquired from Lore Kegel & Boris Kegel-Konietzko, by Galerie Lemaire, Amsterdam, circa 1960/70
Collection of Mrs G.H.A. ten Brinke & Frans Dewit, Haarlem circa 1960/70 (acquired from Lemaire)
Galerie Lemaire, Amsterdam, sold by order of descendants of above (May 2024)
 

Literature: See the drawing of the headrest by Lore Kegel

Exhibited & Illustrated : Galerie Lemaire – Offering a private collection of Oceanic Art, Amsterdam, May 3rd, 2024, digital catalogue.