Bari peoples, Sudan
Wood, reptile skin, hide
W. 39.4 cm (15 1/2 in.)
National Museum of African Art,
acquisition grant from the James Smithson Society, 89-8-13
African headrests usually have concave platforms, one or more supports and an oval, circular or rectangular base. This one has a double-block base that balances the wide curved platform. Headrests such as this once protected carefully arranged hairstyles worn by men.