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Stilt Footrest

early 1800s
wood
Overall: 40 x 7.7 x 11.8 cm (15 3/4 x 3 1/16 x 4 5/8 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Klejman 1970.114
Location: not on view
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Description

Stilt walking and knockdown stilt contests were favorite forms of amusement and competition on the Marquesas Islands. The decorated footrest was secured to a six-foot stilt pole by wrapping sennit fiber cord through a wide slit at the carved figure's back and around the pointed end. Champion stilt walkers competed with those from other tribes during great festivals. Special artists carved the footrests from hardwood and cured them in the mud of a taro patch.
Stilt Footrest

Stilt Footrest

early 1800s

Polynesia, Marquesas Islands, 19th century

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