H x W x D: 13.8 x 16.6 x 10.5cm (5 7/16 x 6 9/16 x 4 1/8in.)
Type:
Decorative Arts
Geography:
Ethiopia
Kenya
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
African headrests are designed to cradle the neck and support the head. They protect coiffures and elevate the head for sleeping. While not extensively studied, headrests are made by a number of groups in southern Ethiopia in a continuation of a practice better documented among the peoples of Kenya. While headrests display an amazing variety of shapes, several Ethiopian peoples employ variations on a conical base support.
Description:
Wood headrest with conical support and curved top. Headrest is decorated with incised concentric linear motif.
Provenance:
Eliot Elisofon, New York, 1947(?) to 1973
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
