Headrest

ClassificationsFurnishings-Furniture-headrests

Cultureprobably Tsonga

Date20th Century

Made AtMozambique, Africa

Made AtSouth Africa, Africa

MediumWood

Dimensions5 × 6 × 2 3/4 in. (12.7 × 15.2 × 7 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2019.22.3

DescriptionThis is a wooden headrest made by the Tsonga culture of Mozambique and South Africa in the 20th Century. Headrests are commonly used throughout Africa to help protect intricate coiffures while resting, though in many cases they carry with them a certain degree of spiritual meaning or prestige. The symbolism of Tsonga headrests remains a point of debate, but they were cherished objects that were more valuable for having been used by ancestors and were at time buried with the deceased. The lugs dropping from both ends of the cradle are perhaps the most characteristic feature of Tsonga headrests. This example is made in two connected parts.

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