Chokwe Wood Headrest, Angola

An X, cinched at the waist with a corrugated band.

This Chokwe headrest from Angola, Central Africa, was carved in wood in the 20th century. Chokwe headrests are commonly associated with prestige and with protecting a carefully built coiffure while the owner slept. Here two slanting legs cross at the center and are bound by a ribbed collar, as if tied with cord. The curved top has pointed lugs at each end, and the whole stands on a round, stepped base. The surface is rich reddish-brown, with a soft sheen along the upper edge.

About seven inches tall. Reads like a bow tie for a bookshelf.