Description:

South Pacific, Polynesia, Island of Tonga, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautifully sculpted Tongan wooden headrest (kali), gracefully carved from a single piece of dark hardwood. Small shell inlay on each end - crescent moon shape on one and small circle on other. The gently concave upper platform is balanced between two broad, inward-curving vertical legs, creating a refined silhouette that reflects both utilitarian purpose and aesthetic restraint. Headrests like this were traditionally used by high-ranking individuals to support the neck during sleep while preserving elaborate hairstyles, and were treasured personal items imbued with status. Size: 14" L x 4.25" W x 6.5" H (35.6 cm x 10.8 cm x 16.5 cm)

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, purchased from Taylor (Tad) Dale Gallery, Santa Fe, NM

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#196388

  • Condition: Intact and generally excellent with mellow patina from age.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

August 22, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 - $249,999:
26.00%
$250,000+:
22.50%

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Bid Increments
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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 + $500