This wooden headrest is made by the Aweer, also known as the Boni people, of Somalia. The Aweer are traditionally a hunter-gather people whose small population reside in both Somalia and Kenya.
This carved wooden headrest cradles and supports the head at the jawline. It is typical to rest on them while lying on one’s side.
While some may think they appear uncomfortable the headrests promote proper spinal alignment.
Headrests helped to protect and maintain detailed hairstyles that were often a sign of status.
Headrests allow the user to remain alert while resting.
Headrests were found across the continent of Africa. Traditionally headrests were carved by craftsmen and artisans. The oldest headrests on the African continent were found in Egypt dating from the Old Kingdom approximately 2649-2150 BCE. Today headrests are rarely in use on the African continent.
The headrest was brought from Somaliland by International Driller Charles Wallen in the early 20th Century.
To learn more about artifacts similar to this one visit the Smithsonian and the Met Museum's site.
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