Headrest

Date20th century

Label TextFor the pastoralists of East Africa, headrests are portable comfort zones.They serve as pillows, helping to preserve hairstyles which mark promotions in status. Wood pillows may not cushion the head but are said to help induce deep sleep. Lying on one's side, the headrest affects nerves on the neck to act as asubtle tranquilizer. Headrests could also become impromptu seats, accommodating the warrior's moments of rest. Men often carved their own out of fine-grained tough but lightweight wood.

Object number81.17.1034

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, African Panoplies: Art for Rulers, Traders, Hunters, and Priests, Apr. 21 - Aug. 14, 1988. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Elegant Plain Art: Art from the Shaker World and Beyond, July 7, 1999 - Feb. 1, 2001. Published ReferencesBurt, Eugene C., East African Art in the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1985, no. 9, p. 16, illus. on cover

Credit LineGift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company

Dimensions6 5/16 x 3 1/16 x 3 9/16 in. (16 x 7.75 x 9 cm)

MediumWood and metal