Traveling Man Treasures
Mid 20th Century Hand-Carved African (South Omo Valley) Headrest
Mid 20th Century Hand-Carved African (South Omo Valley) Headrest
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$279.99 USD
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$279.99 USD
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This is an ornately hand-carved African headrest made during the mid 20th century. The piece is in excellent condition and ready for a prominent spot in any art collection!
The headrest likely comes from the Hamer (or Hamar) people, who live in the South Omo Valley of Ethiopia, who use headrests as both functional and symbolic pieces.
Function:
- Protecting hairstyles: Hamer men, in particular, use wooden headrests, known as "borkoto" or "berkota", to protect their elaborate hairstyles during sleep. Some hairstyles, like the mud caps worn by men who have killed an enemy or dangerous animal, can last for months and require care to maintain.
- Seating: These headrests also double as visiting stools.
- Status symbol: The headrests, along with hairstyles and other adornments, can signify a person's social status, age, and wealth within the tribe.
Appearance and Materials:
- Hamer headrests are typically carved from a single piece of wood, often with a saddle-shaped top to cradle the head.
- Some headrests have intricate carvings, like concentric lines, zig-zags, and other geometric patterns.
- They may also feature handles, sometimes decorated with braided leather and aluminum beads.
- The surface of the headrest, over time, develops a smooth patina from contact with hair and hair dressings.
DIMENSIONS:
7" H x 5.5" W x 4.5" D
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