Hi Les,

I think that banjos may have been carved about the heel because they could be easily enough. And during the banjo Rennaisance at the turn of the century they becam individual pieces of art in both inlay and construction. Very likely a marketing tool as much as anything. The headstocks on Paramount and Orpheum banjos often were laid up from many laminations of Holly and Pear wood (I think) feathered down the neck. In some cases the more laminations, the more costly the instrument.

Also look at a banjo neck and the area they were carved. It was rare that a player got into the carved area when playing, especially on a five string. Altho' some virtuoso tenor and plectrum players might get up the neck that far.

This some conjecture on my part but I think it makes sense and it's at least a polite answer to what is a reasonable bit of wondering.

Don