This is a rare headrest from the Turkana tribe. Turkana is located in northwestern Kenya, they are a pastoralist group living in a hostile society. This headrest is rarely symmetrical because it allows herders to avoid falling into a deep sleep due to its instability. The herders hang it on the left or right side of their belt.
Due to the nomadic lifestyle of the Turkana pastoralist, they developed a custom of wearing elaborate coiffures. Carving of light, portable headrests became a necessity. For women, the headrest can also support their neck but mostly keep their hair developed. It has three legs facing different directions. The following headrest has a dark brown wonderful patina and shows good signs of age and usage.
- Material: Wood
- Age: approximately 50-60 yrs
- Origin: Kenya
- Condition: Very good
- SKU: LHRT-053
- Weight: 0.4 kg
- Dimensions: 27 x 13 x 3 cm