Wooden
headrests or "pillows" are used to support
the head during sleep and also to preserve
their elaborate hair styles, and are indicators of status. The more elaborate the headrest is, the higher the status is of its owner. This type with the double support would have belonged to someone of a high status.
Men's headrests generally feature a smaller base that makes them somewhat unstable to sleep on, and thus keep somewhat alert in case they need to awaken to take action. Boni shepherds rest while standing on a single leg, with their head lying on the neckrest set
on their shoulder. These neckrests symbolize vigilance because since their base is so small, the resting person could not fall asleep without falling
over.
This exquisite headrest has curvilinear forms, combined with intricate, incised patterns. It has no significant cracks or repairs and has its original honey yellow patina.
Height: 6 ½" x Width: 6 ¼" x Depth: 2 ¾"
