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:
Turkana Headrest
Object Name:
Headrest, Trukane, Kenya
Other Name:
Headrest, Trukane, Wood
Place of Origin:
Turkana, Northern Kenya, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.

Written on a piece of masking tape, affixed to the headrest, states a year of 1960.

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 top, flat rectanguler mid—section and bowed bottom portion, with rounded outer edges. Dark brown patina covering most of wooden surface, with tan or light brown areas around lower base, and one area on top circular portion. Holes in top and bottom center portion of mid—section, with rust colored piece of yarn tied through holes.
Collection:
Guy Mace Collection, (Turblex Company)
Material:
Wood W/Patina and Yarn
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Carving / Painting
Owned:
Art Department, Missouri Southern State University
Accession#:
2015.2.49
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