This is a two-legged stool from the Karamajong, an ethnic group of agro-pastoral herders living mainly in north-eastern Uganda. Headrests appear like simple pieces of craftmanship but they are of aesthetic value. They possess significance value and they have artistic status, they mean more than just mere objects. These pillow-like objects are some of the most distinctive East African articrafts. Headrests symbolized high social status or magical power such as the gift of foretelling. Headrests are also traditionally believed to protect elaborated headdresses, headrests are no longer a feature of modern life in this region.
This particular headrest was the property of a warrior man who fought in raids and it was awarded as a reward or trophy by elders. Its design is similar to those of Pokot but with a lesser piece of wood at the base as a result of intermingling. This stylized headrest/stool has two legs and a flat circular upper surface. Its legs are supported by a piece of aluminium and it has a brown patina. It is old with visible signs of old age and usage.
- Material: Wood and aluminium
- Condition: Good
- Age:approx 50-60yrs
- Origin: Uganda
- SKU: LHRT-105
- Weight: 0.3 kg
- Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 1.6 cm