An Abelam Headrest Maprik Village region, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, late 19th to early 20th century Constructed from a piece of hardwood as the headrest, one end carved with addorsed Abelam style human heads, and at the other a tapering segmented reptile tail; the legs are bent cane rods lashed together with rattan. Faded red trade cloth tied on with twine at the head end. The underside is scooped out to form two elongated ovals. In very good condition, the wood oxidized from age and darkened from use. Provenance: A Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired in 1995 Wayne Heathcote, London, UK Length: 16 inches HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved