H x W x D: 17.0 x 30.8 x 12.2 cm (6 11/16 x 12 1/8 x 4 13/16 in.)
Type:
Decorative Arts
Geography:
Kenya
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
While watching over livestock, men in East Africa use headrests. They may be carried during the day as a sign of status. African headrests are designed to cradle the neck and support the head. They protect coiffures and elevate the head for sleeping or watching the herd.
Headrests display an amazing variety of shapes. In some, one sees the original form of the tree trunks or branches from which they were carved. Others bear little resemblance to the wood's natural form. Generally, the head support is a curved rectangle; the legs, pedestals and decorations, however, demonstrate the cultural style and the work of the individual artist.
Description:
T-form wood headrest with a metal rod handle on the side.
Provenance:
Dr. Werner Muensterberger, New York, ca. 1950-1980 to 1989
Content Statement:
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