Headrest, Wood : 2015.2.88

Title:

Democratic Republic of Congo Headrest

Object Name:

Headrest, Wood

Other Name:

Headrest, Wood

Place of Origin:

Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

Provenance:

Aboriginal Indigenous Art.

Headrests are used by many nomadic people of Eastern and sometimes Central Africa while resting or sleeping. It is popularly believed that the headrest serves a protective function by elevating the head off the ground during sleep, thereby preventing any possible attack by snakes or scorpions.

Description:

Wooden headrest with flat oval—shaped bottom and top. Two seated figures in mid—section, with arms extended and connected. Legs outstretched forward, but not connected. Dark brown patina covering entire wooden surface. Repaired and glued in several areas around headrest.

Collection:

Guy Mace Collection, (Turblex Company)

Material:

Wood W/Patina

Used:

Ritually Used

Technique:

Carving / Painting

Owned:

Art Department, Missouri Southern State University

Accession#:

2015.2.88