Headrest

Headrests, also called neck rests. Used when sleeping or resting; meant to support the head at the junction of the neck and head when lying down. Usually a personal object; they are portable and may also be used as a stool. In some societies, headrests were thought to channel ancestral communications through dreams.

From the collection of Dr. Arap Diop. Tchuemegne acquired headrests 3420/70-78 from Diop, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Headrest carved from a single piece of wood. The upper surface is smooth and concave, curving upwards to ends on either side. There are four legs in a row extending down to a convex base. Two end legs triangular in shape, and two centre legs diamond. Decorated with groups of five or six carved lines.