North Coast New Guinea Neckrest-Jolika Collection-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
I acquired this old neckrest from the attic of John Friede’s massive Rye, New York house about ten years ago. I was attracted to it because of its obvious age and authenticity and because of it’s obvious New Guinea origins—but where in New Guinea? The one-piece construction places it along the coast and the classic splayed frog motif is well known amongst the Boiken people. The frog itself is very well carved but the overall form of the neckrest is a bit crude—thus not something produced by experts right along the coast who spend their days sharpening the skills carving canoes, paddles, etc. Thus, I place this neckrest in the mountains along New Guinea’s north coast west of Wewak—where the carvers have the full spiritual intent but not quite the everyday skill of their coastal counterparts. The piece has great antiquity to it with that dry, encrusted patina on all the parts below the smooth, glossy neck support. There is an old label attached to the underside whose text escapes me. The neckrest is 19th century, 12 7/8” (32.6 cm) in length. SOLD