Headrest

Unknown

19th–20th century · Wood · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Headrests have been used to protect elaborate coiffures that can relay the status, gender, and age of the wearer. The designs developed by regional carvers are remarkably diverse in both form and style. This example is distinctive for its elegant form and the fact that it features a storage compartment for the owner's valuables.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th–20th century

Medium

Wood

Culture

Swazi or Zulu or Nguni peoples

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Gift of John B. Elliott through the Mercer Trust, 2000