Headrest
ClassificationsFurnishings-Furniture-headrests
Culture
Karamojong
Date20th Century
Made AtUganda, Africa
MediumWood and beads
Dimensions6 7/8 × 6 1/2 × 3 in. (17.5 × 16.5 × 7.6 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2019.22.4
DescriptionA member of the Karamojong culture, a Nilotic group living in northeast Uganda, made this headrest sometime in the 20th Century, though similar saddle-shaped wooden headrests are made in the border region between Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda. 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. At least in certain instances, it was noted that Karamojong headrests hold special magical powers of guidance and the ability to commune with the community’s ancestors.On View
Not on view
