Headrest

ClassificationsFurnishings-Furniture-headrests

Culturepossibly Pokot

Culturepossibly Turkana

Date20th Century

Made AtKenya, Africa

MediumWood and metal

Dimensions7 1/4 × 6 1/4 × 3 in. (18.4 × 15.9 × 7.6 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2019.22.22

DescriptionThis is a wooden headrest most likely made by the Pokot or Turkana of Kenya, though similarly 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. Turkana headrests are kept close-by at all times, always either in-use, being maintained, or worn around the waist by way of their leather, metal, or more rarely fiber strap. As they are important prestige objects, it is said that Turkana men will travel hundreds of miles to secure a headrest crafted by the finest of craftsmen.

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