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Oqaatsit toqqaruk

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Allaaserisaq

Assip oqaasertaa

  • A black human-like head with pronounced jaw, elongated head and white designs that replicate facial paint or tattoo markings presented with the words Arts of Oceania with a blue background.

Uhikana (headdress)

#1777

Ènata artist(s)

Late 19th century

Pearl shell, turtle shell, fiber

Nunap assigani takuuk

Nassuiaat

Headdresses were prestige items worn by hakaìki (chiefs) to affirm their power and divine lineage. The contrast of luminous white pearl shell against tawny brown turtle shell on this work alludes to the complementary realms of light and dark. The plaques on either side of the central pearl shell disk, with its wheel of six tiki, are carved with the ipu motif—a potent symbol referencing a vessel (or womb) that holds the creative energies and cosmic order of the universe.

1777. Uhikana (headdress), Ènata artists

Teikitevaamanihii Huukena

Additional Information

Mittarfiit
H. 6 × W. 14 × D. 6 1/2 in. (15.2 × 35.6 × 16.5 cm)
Akissat
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1964
Ilanngussaq Nummer
1978.412.832

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