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
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.