Headrest

Accession Number: 2018.12
Title: Headrest
Ethnic Group: Kambata
Subject: Headrest|Social Status|East Africa
Country: Ethiopia
Date: 20th Century
Medium: Wood
Format: H x W: 8 x 7.5 in. (20.32 x 19.05 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.