African Art Tribal Ngoni Headrest

Late 19th Century Tribal Ngoni Headrest.

The Ngoni were Bantu speaking people of Northern Zululand in South East Africa,some of the Ngoni migrated to East Africa and settled in Tanzania.These  were used as pillows to help someone to have good sleep. They also used as a comfort to help protect ceremonial coiffure. In some occasions headrests are used as stool. As a personal object, the headrest on to has become part of the individual. Usually, when the person died, he is buried with his headrest. Sometimes the headrest is passed his heir, who would treat it with respect because this wooden piece embodies the spirit of the deceased person.

Measurements are 24 inches by 7.5 inches.