Stand for wigs

Description

wood, encrusted blackish brown patina, flat bifurcated head piece rising from tapered plug, label “MHMC-866”, slightly dam. (tip), crack backside, metal base.
This kind of stands were used for keeping elaborate worked wigs, like they are worn especially by the Huli, the largest ethnic group in Papua New Guinea’s Southern Highlands Province. On leaving seclusion, young men cut their hair, and make two replica wigs, one and for everyday wear, the other for ceremonial occasions.