A Rare Fijian Bamboo and Hardwood Double Headrest 'Kali Ni Butu'

A Rare Fijian Bamboo and Hardwood Double Headrest ‘Kali Ni Butu’
Etched with pictorial designs. Superb old dry patina with original senit
binding and hardwood legs
Early 19th Century
Size : 76 cm long, 18 cm deep, 14 cm high – 30 ins long, 7 ins deep, 5½ ins high
It is said that 'Kali' were reserved for chiefly use. It was placed under the neck at the base of the skull rather than the head thus preserving any ornate and complicated hairstyle. If sleeping on the side it would be placed just above the angle of the jaw.
The more ornate coiffure was often affected by chiefs and it was believed that the spiritual power or 'mana' of the chief surrounded his head and made it 'tabu'. Thus no one could touch his head and the ground was kept from it by the headrest.

A Rare Fijian Bamboo and Hardwood Double Headrest 'Kali Ni Butu'

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+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk

ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk