Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0493-0332   CAS 0493-0332; Headrest
Category Carvings; Tools & Implements
Object Name Headrest
Culture Gabra
Global Region Sub-Saharan Africa
Country Kenya
State/Prov./Dist. Meikona, Gabraland
County
Other Geographic Data Meikona, Gabraland
Maker's Name Male owner (name not recorded)
Date of Manufacture 1974
Collection Name Torry Collection (Gabra)
Materials Wood
Description Headrest carved from a single piece of wood; Rising from the disk-shaped base are two vertical support shafts which are triangular in cross-section and support the concave, ovoid “headrest”; Simple diamond pattern is carved at either end of the “headrest” on its underside, and simple 3-pronged geometric design is carved on top surface; Elaborate geometric designs are caved on outside face of each support shaft (different design on each shaft); According to original field notes, this type of headrest may only be used by men who have killed certain types of animals; This one was made by its owner after he killed a “homidera.”
Dimensions (cm) Height = 16.7, Width = 16.9, Depth = 7.4