Headrest

Item number 905/2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Rectangular-shaped piece of wood that curves down slightly at each end. The base has a thin horizontally placed beam that extends the length of the rectangular-shaped piece of wood. Stemming from it is a small perpendicular piece of wood that splits into two pieces of wood that flare out slightly. The two pieces are bound with skin cording. Skin loops protrude from either side of the piece. Set of two spiral-shaped metal springs are attached to pieces of skin at the top and the bottom on each side.

History Of Use

Headrests, also called neck rests or bolsters. Used when sleeping or resting; meant to support the head at the junction of the neck and head when lying down. Usually a personal object; they are portable and may also be used as a stool. Sometimes used by men to protect elaborate hair arrangements. In some societies, headrests were thought to channel ancestral communications through dreams. The Pokot name would be 'ngecher'; the Turkana name is 'ekicholong'.

Item History

Made in Kenya
Owned by Nerina Bene before December 6, 1983
Received from Nerina Bene (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on December 6, 1983