Headrest

MOA: University of British Columbia

3420/70

Three-legged headrest carved from a single piece of wood. The upper surface has a slight curve to the side, and it tapers in at each end. The wood has been hammered with small circles all over on one side, with less on the opposite side.

  • Narrative

    From the collection of Dr. Arap Diop. Tchuemegne acquired headrests 3420/70-78 from Diop, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

  • History Of Use

    Headrests, also called neck rests. 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. In some societies, headrests were thought to channel ancestral communications through dreams.


  • Type of Item headrest
  • Culture Dinka
  • Material wood
  • Measurements height 19.0 cm, width 38.5 cm, depth 17.4 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner Richard Tchuemegne
  • Received from Richard Tchuemegne, Michael O'Brian Family Foundation, Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget


  • Ownership Date before February 5, 2020
  • Acquisition Date on February 5, 2020

  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3420/0070