Dinka Headrest in the Form of a Quadruped

A low, curved pillow with four legs and a tail. Sleep on it carefully.

Dinka makers of Sudan, East Africa, carved this headrest in the form of a quadruped in wood in the 20th century. Headrests across East Africa were commonly used to support the neck during sleep and to protect elaborate hairstyles. The crescent cradle sits on short, thick legs, with a pointed head at one end and a thin tail at the other. A narrow band of small white inlay circles the body, set against a deep, polished brown surface.

About 26 inches long and 10 inches high. Long and low, it stretches out nicely along a console.