Headrest
ClassificationsFurnishings-Furniture-headrests
Culture
Karamojong
Date20th Century
Made AtUganda, Africa
MediumWood, metal and leather
Dimensions5 3/4 × 9 1/2 × 5 3/4 in. (14.6 × 24.1 × 14.6 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2019.22.27
DescriptionA member of the Karamojong culture, a Nilotic group living in northeast Uganda, made this headrest sometime 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. 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. This headrest has a particularly interesting trident design on its cradle inlaid with casings from small caliber munitions. The significance of this design is unknown.On View
Not on view
