Headrest

MOA: University of British Columbia

3420/73

Headrest carved from a single piece of wood. The upper surface is smooth and concave, curving upwards to ends on either side. There are four legs in a row extending down to a convex base. Two end legs triangular in shape, and two centre legs diamond. Decorated with groups of five or six carved lines.

  • 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 Kambata
  • Material wood
  • Measurements height 20.5 cm, width 19.5 cm, depth 6.8 cm (overall)

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

  • Made in Ethiopia

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

  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3420/0073