Turkana Wood Headrest, Kenya

Plainly, a broad curved head rest with a narrow waist and a small metal ornament.

This carved wooden headrest is Turkana, from East Africa, and dates to the 19th century. It is carved wood. Headrests were used across much of East Africa to support the neck during sleep, and they were often carved from a single block of wood. Placed center frame, a wide, gently dished top with slightly raised edges sits above a narrow waist that flares into a rounded, bowl-like foot. A tiny metal fitting and a small repair or wire detail show on the upright. It is 8.75 inches wide, 5 deep and 6 high.

Gracefully curved up top and very solid at the foot.