Shona Rare Handcarved Headrest African Wood Shepherd Pillow Zimbabwe

HANDCARVED SHONA ZIMBABWE HEADREST GREAT PATINA

Type Of Object: HEADREST

Ethnic Group: SHONA

Country of Origin: ZIMBABWE

Materials: WOOD

Carved Approximate Age: 40 years

Dimensions: 7″ x 6″

Overall Condition: Used, Very Good, some wear, tear and discolorations from use.

Additional Information: A great symetrical headrest, elegant lines. Patina of great use. African headrests come in various forms. They ranged from the simple to elaborately carved artifact. They have abstract shapes, elegant lines, and are decorated with geometric patterns. Their styles are similar to these found among the other nomadic pastoralists of Uganda, Sudan and Kenya, particularly among Dinka, Maasai, the Karamajong, Rendille, Turkana, Pokot. Ethiopian headrests mostly come from peoples such as the Somali, Gurage, Kambatta, Sidamo, Ethiopia and Arissi. Among these people headrests and stools play a vital role among men. These objects are carefully carved and carried by men everywhere they go.

Headrests are 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 has become part of the individual. Usually, when the person died, he is buried with his headrest. Sometimes the headrest is passed on to his heir, who would treat it with respect because this wooden piece embodies the spirit of the deceased person.