headrest

human history

Kali. Headrest. Kali o toutai. A fisherman's headrest. Kali are wooden pillows or headrests that are placed under the head or nape of the neck whilst sleeping or lying down. There are different types of kali that vary in construction as well as the materials used. This kali is a kali o toutai, it is cut and carved from one block of wood, most likely toa wood. This kali is long and curves slightly downwards, directly below is a upright ring with a hole through it, underneath this is the rectangular base. The circular ring is said to be used as a hand hole for the fisherman to hold it close to his head while the other hand is free to hold the ropes.

Accession number: 1929.424 Last Update: 10 Dec 2020
Other Name

kali (Tongan)

kali 'o toutai (Tongan)

Place
Tonga/Pacific
Accession Number

1929.424

Accession Date

1929

Other Id

4562 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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