Headrest

Object Details

Somali (Hawiye or Digil clan) artist

Label Text

Men in East Africa use headrests both as pillows and as status indicators. This type of man's headrest is used both by Somali nomads and by the neighboring Boni of northeastern Kenya and southern Somalia. The small, easily unbalanced base has made the headrest an emblem of alertness and the ability to wake to action. Made of sturdy but relatively light wood, the headrests are used on beds and are also carried by herdsmen who use them to rest while keeping an eye on their herds. They may be carved by the owner or commissioned from an artist. The inscribed interlace patterns reflect the influence of Islamic graphic design in the region.

Description

Carved wood headrest with a crescent top and two supports on a circular base with decorated side panels with an interlace motif.

Provenance

Dr. Werner Muensterberger, New York, ca. 1950-1980 to 1989

Exhibition History

Art of the Personal Object, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., September 24, 1991-April 9, 2007

The Language of African Art: A Bicentennial Exhibition from the Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C. 1976-1978

Published References

Robbins, Warren. 1976. The Language of African Art: A Bicentennial Exhibition from the Museum of African Art. Washington, D.C.: Museum of African Art, p. 31.

Content Statement

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Credit Line

Museum purchase

Mid-late 20th century

Object number

89-14-20

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Decorative Arts

Medium

Wood

Dimensions

H x W x D: 17.1 x 15.2 x 8.3 cm (6 3/4 x 6 x 3 1/4 in.)

Geography

Somalia

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Household

Status

Male use

geometric motif

male

Record ID

nmafa_89-14-20

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7fcaeb950-99fd-4df1-93e1-2b64edb15b50