Headrest
Item
Accession Number
2018.11
Title
Headrest
Ethnic Group
Kambata
Subject
Headrest|Social Status|East Africa
Country
Ethiopia
Date
20th Century
Medium
Wood
Format
H x W: 8 x 8 in. (20.32 x 20.32 cm)
Description
Headrests were used in the African culture to support the head and protect intricate hairstyles during sleep. While these hairstyles were considered an image of beauty, they also revealed someone's rank and social identity in the community. In other parts of Africa, headrests are associated with dreams and divination, but in Eastern Africa, they are solely used for functional purposes. The Kambata headrests are carved with patterns such as chevrons and bands of straight lines.
