Headrest
The nomadic lifestyle of the pastoralist Turkana peoples of northwestern Kenya and their custom of wearing elaborate coiffures made the use of light, portable headrests a necessity. Supported by two slender legs and decorated by tightly interwoven leather strings, this simple headrest may have belonged to a young man. Indeed, there is evidence that different styles of headrests and degrees of elaboration reflect the age and status of their owners.
Artwork Details
- Title: Headrest
- Date: 19th–20th century
- Geography: Kenya
- Culture: Turkana or Potok peoples
- Medium: Wood, leather twine
- Dimensions: H. 12 5/8 x W. 6 in. (32.1 x 15.2 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Furniture
- Credit Line: The Bryce Holcombe Collection of African Decorative Art, Bequest of Bryce Holcombe, 1984
- Object Number: 1986.478.11
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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Pokot peoples
19th–20th century
Turkana peoples
20th century
Maasai peoples
late 20th century
Turkana peoples
20th century
Maasai peoples
19th–20th century
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