Headrests

Traditional African headrests were carried as symbols of affluence.

The geometric patterns and reliefs were unique to individual artists and varied from region to region.

Intended to cradle the neck and support the head, headrests were used by herders to recline and rest, while still watching their herd at night. During the day, they often served as stools. Beyond their utilitarian function, headrests were important metaphysical objects which provided a spiritual conduit to one’s ancestors.

Zulu Block Headrest, with multi geometric patterns, No.2180 South Africa.

15.5 x 47.5 x 8 cm Acacia species Wood, light honey colored / hand carved. $3,589.00

Four legs Headrest, No. 1310 (Dinka People, South Sudan)

6 x 17 x 5 ″ Hand carved from a single, hardwood block. $1,195.00

Headrest No. 1180 (Dinka People, South Sudan)

8 x 17 x 12 ″ Unidentified hardwood species / Hand carved from a single, hardwood block. $885.00

Three Legs Dinka Headrest, No. 1170 (South Sudan)

6.5 x 14 x 9 ″ Unidentified hardwood species / Hand carved from a single, hardwood block. $1,775.00

Headrest , No. 1160 (Dinka People, South Sudan)

9.5 x 15.5 x 10 ″ Unidentified hardwood species / Hand carved from a single, hardwood block. $975.00

Headrest, No.1070 (Dinka People, South Sudan)

7.5 x 18.5 x 7 ″ Unidentified hardwood species / Hand carved from a single block. $1,695.00

"Mingudeni Shezi No.11 Headrest: An Intricate Dance of Geometry, Strength, and Cultural Heritage"

5 x 19 x 4.25 ″ Schotia brachypetala Wood / Hand Carved. $4,329.00

"Mkhulu Mkwanazi Scallop Buttress No.1041: A Masterful Union of Elegance, Structure, and Zulu Cultural Legacy"

6.5 x 22 x 3 ″ Combertum imberde (Leadwood) wood / Hand carved. $3,660.00

Headrest No. 2250 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

18.513 x 41 x 6.5 cm Hand carved from a single, hardwood block; the rich patina indicates many decades of daily use. $2,600.00

Headrest No. 2230 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

13 x 46 x 8 cm Hand carved from a single, hardwood block; the rich patina indicates many decades of daily use. $2,445.00

Headrest (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

12 x 49 x 8 cm Hand carved from a single, hardwood block; the rich patina indicates many decades of daily use. $2,890.00

Headrest No.2170 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

13 x 47 x 7 cm Hand carved from a single, hardwood block; the rich patina indicates many decades of daily use. $2,440.00

Headrest No. 2140 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

10 x 42.5 x 8.5 cm Hand carved from a single, hardwood block; the rich patina indicates many decades of daily use. $2,500.00

Headrest No. 2130 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

10 x 32 x 7 cm Hand carved from a single, hardwood block; the rich patina indicates many decades of daily use. $2,615.00

Headrest No. 2060 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

16 x 51 x 5 cm $2,235.00

Headrest No. 1013 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

4.75 x 17 x 3.5 ″ $4,399.00

Headrest No. 1012 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

4.25 x 15.5 x 2.75 ″ $3,229.00

Early 20th century Zulu Headrest No. 1009 (Southern Africa)

4.25 x 15 x 3.5 ″ Schotia brachypetala Wood / Hand Carved. $4,679.00

Headrest No. 1025 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

6 x 14 x 3.5 ″ $3,450.00

Headrest No. 1021 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

5 x 17 x 4 ″ $4,475.00

Headrest No.1023 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

6.5 x 25.5 x 3 ″ $3,750.00

Headrest No. 1024 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

6.5 x 24 x 3.5 ″ $3,850.00

Headrest No. 1042 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

5 x 17.25 x 3 ″ $4,586.00

Headrest No. 1038 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

6.5 x 17.5 x 3.5 ″ $2,890.00

Headrest No. 1027 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

4.5 x 15 x 2 ″ $4,290.00

Headrest No. 1026 (Zulu People, Southern Africa)

5 x 16 x 3 ″ Hand carved from a single, hardwood block; the rich patina indicates many decades of daily use. $3,890.00