Headrest

ClassificationsFurnishings-Furniture-headrests

Culture Luba

Date20th Century

Made AtDemocratic Republic of the Congo, Africa

MediumWood

Dimensions6 7/8 × 5 1/2 × 4 3/8 in. (17.5 × 14 × 11.1 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2017.11.47

DescriptionThe stools of the Luba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo tend to be female caryatid figures, making this likely contemporary figure an interesting example as it contradicts the matrilineal culture of the Luba by depicting a pair of men. According to Luba religion, when a male king dies, his spirit is so powerful that it can only be held by a female body. This spirit medium is called a Mwadi. Because of the common association with king and nobility, Luba headrests are important status symbols. They also fulfill the usual roles of elevating the head while sleeping and protecting one’s coiffure.

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