Headrest, Samburu, Northern Kenya : 2015.2.51

Title:

Samburu Headrest

Object Name:

Headrest, Samburu, Northern Kenya

Other Name:

Headrest, Samburu, Northern Kenya, Wood

Place of Origin:

Samburu, Northern Kenya, Africa

Provenance:

Aboriginal Indigenous Art.

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:

Slightly bowed, three—sided, rectangular—shaped, wooden headrest. Three small vertical holes in central area of right and left sides. Light brown or tan in color.

Collection:

Guy Mace Collection, (Turblex Company)

Material:

Wood

Used:

Ritually Used

Technique:

Carving

Owned:

Art Department, Missouri Southern State University

Accession#:

2015.2.51