MSSU African Art Exibit : The MSSU African Art collection features a variety of authentic works of art from various tribes located throughout Central Africa. The objects in the collection range from mundane day to day grooming tools to ritualistic masks and statues.
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
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