A carved wood headrest, attributed to the Lobi-Gan tradition of Burkina Faso, measuring approximately 28 cm in length and 12 cm in height. The piece features a gently curved, concave top platform designed to cradle the neck during rest, supported by two solid, slightly flared legs with a carved peg foot detail at each base. The wood shows a warm, aged patina with visible grain and natural surface wear consistent with age and use.
Headrests are found across many African cultures and traditionally served both practical and symbolic purposes — protecting elaborate hairstyles during sleep, and in some traditions carrying associations with status, ancestry, or dream/spirit communication. Their compact, sculptural form makes them one of the most collected categories of African functional art.
Details:
- Attribution: Lobi-Gan tradition, Burkina Faso region
- Type: Headrest (neck rest)
- Material: Carved wood, aged patina
- Dimensions: approx. 28 cm (length) x 12 cm (height)
- Condition: Age-consistent surface wear (see photos)