Headrest, Northern Kenya : 2015.2.87

Title:

Northern Kenyan Headrest

Object Name:

Headrest, Northern Kenya

Other Name:

Headrest, Northern Kenya, Wood

Place of Origin:

Northern Kenya, Africa

Provenance:

Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
Pictures are upside down.

Headrests are used by many nomadic people of Eastern 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 small circular flat bottom. Flat slightly bowed mid—section and oval—shaped top. Decorative indentations in center portion of mid—section, with woven leather strap, or handle inserted and tied through holes, at top and bottom of mid—section. Light brown or tan patina covering entire wooden surface.

Collection:

Guy Mace Collection, (Turblex Company)

Material:

Wood W/Patina and Leather

Used:

Ritually Used

Technique:

Carving / Painting / Leather Works

Owned:

Art Department, Missouri Southern State University

Accession#:

2015.2.87