Headrest (Amba Ragat)
Like many Pacific peoples, the Iatmul use wood headrests, which serve as pillows on which to rest the head or neckduring sleep. Called amba ragat (literally, head stool), Iatmul headrests consist of a plain central section that accommodates the user’s head and is flanked by carved finials depicting totemic animals or ancestral beings. The central portion of this work is grasped by two female figures, who may represent a pair of legendary sisters from oral tradition. The figures have eyes inlayed with shell and heads embellished with coiffures made from locks of human hair. Their bodies are adorned with miniature versions of personal ornaments, including shell or fiber necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.
Artwork Details
- Title: Headrest (Amba Ragat)
- Artist: Sekatbente
- Date: 19th century
- Geography: Papua New Guinea, Aibom village, Middle Sepik River
- Culture: Iatmul people
- Medium: Wood, shell, hair, fiber, paint
- Dimensions: H. 8 11/16 x W. 24 3/8 x D. 4 1/2 in. (22 x 61.9 x 11.4 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Furniture
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.206.1628
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Murik Lakes
late 19th–early 20th century
Iatmul people
19th century
Abelam people
19th–early 20th century
Iatmul people
late 19th–early 20th century
Sawos people
late 19th–early 20th century
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.