Neck Rest
Abelam, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
19th-early 20th c.
Provenance: Private American collection, acquired from Wayne Heathcote, UK.
This wooden neck rest, crafted by the Abelam people, is a remarkable artifact that offers insight into their cultural traditions and artistic heritage. More than just a functional object, it is a beautifully executed work of art that exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of the Abelam.
One end of the neck rest is adorned with finely carved Janus masks, symbolic representations of ancestral spirits believed to offer protection to the owner. The piece is also enriched with red pigment, a color deeply associated with life force, vitality, and fertility—essential elements in Abelam cosmology. The application of red pigment underscores the neck rest’s significance as a life-affirming object.
Additionally, the platform beneath the neck rest has been carefully carved away, revealing a raised wall between the two masks, further enhancing its intricate design and spiritual symbolism.
Neck Rest
Abelam, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
19th-early 20th c.
Provenance: Private American collection, acquired from Wayne Heathcote, UK.
This wooden neck rest, crafted by the Abelam people, is a remarkable artifact that offers insight into their cultural traditions and artistic heritage. More than just a functional object, it is a beautifully executed work of art that exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of the Abelam.
One end of the neck rest is adorned with finely carved Janus masks, symbolic representations of ancestral spirits believed to offer protection to the owner. The piece is also enriched with red pigment, a color deeply associated with life force, vitality, and fertility—essential elements in Abelam cosmology. The application of red pigment underscores the neck rest’s significance as a life-affirming object.
Additionally, the platform beneath the neck rest has been carefully carved away, revealing a raised wall between the two masks, further enhancing its intricate design and spiritual symbolism.