Headrest carved from a single piece of wood. The upper surface is smooth, and curves upwards to points on either side. There two legs, one at each end, and panel at centre with an hourglass-shaped cutout, which rests on a flat oval base. The sides are incised with designs.

• 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.

• Narrative

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

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• Type of Item headrest
• Culture Kambata
• Material wood
• Measurements height 18.0 cm, width 17.5 cm, depth 7.6 cm (overall)

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

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• Made in Ethiopia

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

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• Condition good
• Accession Number 3420/0075