Headrest, Male and Female Figures : 2015.5.12

Title:

Headrest, Male and Female Figures

Object Name:

Headrest, Male and Female Figures

Other Name:

Hemba, Wood

Place of Origin:

Hemba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa

Provenance:

Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 8"
W = 7"
D = 2—1/4"

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 square—shaped bottom and top. Two seated figures in mid—section as supports: one male and one female. Dark brown patina covering entire wooden surface.

Collection:

Institute of International Studies Collection

Material:

Wood

Used:

Ritually Used

Technique:

Carving

Owned:

Art Department, Missouri Southern State University

Accession#:

2015.5.12