H x W x D: 23.5 x 16.5 x 8.3 cm (9 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 3 1/4 in.)
Type:
Decorative Arts
Geography:
Uganda
Kenya
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
While watching over livestock at night, 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.
Headrests display an amazing variety of shapes. In some, one sees the original forms of the tree trunks or branches from which they were carved. Others bear little resemblance to the wood's natural forms. Generally, the head support is a curved rectangle; the legs, pedestals and decorations vary and demonstrate the cultural style and the work of the individual artist.
Description:
Wood headrest with a semi-cylindrical top and an inverted "v" support with flared block feet. The leather strap is wrapped in wire. The single white metal circle is inlaid on each outer side of the legs.
Provenance:
Dr. Werner Muensterberger, New York, ca. 1950-1980 to 1989
Exhibition History:
Art of the Personal Object, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., September 24, 1991-April 9, 2007
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
