Headrest, Northern Kenya : 2015.2.50

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 and small depression in bottom center. Flat rectanguler mid—section and slightly bowed, oval—shaped top. Holes in top and bottom center portion of mid—section, with woven leather strap, or handle inserted and tied through holes. Copper or brass wire wrapped around center portion of leather handle. Light brown or tan patina covering entire wooden surface, with several darker brown areas throughout.

Collection:

Guy Mace Collection, (Turblex Company)

Material:

Wood W/Patina, Leather and Metal

Used:

Ritually Used

Technique:

Carving / Painting / Metal and Leather Works

Owned:

Art Department, Missouri Southern State University

Accession#:

2015.2.50