and southern Somalia and by Somali nomads. Men's headrests generally feature a smaller base that makes them somewhat unstable to sleep on,
while the rectangular bases of women's headrests are usually more stable. The small, easily unbalanced base has made the headrest an emblem of
alertness and the ability to wake to action. Made of sturdy but relatively light wood, the headrests are used on beds and are carried by herdsmen, who
also use them to rest while keeping an eye on their herds. 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.
The patterns on Somali and Boni headrests probably reflect the Islamic influence in the region. Some scholars interpret the patterns and iconography
as a "form of shorthand for a prayer," to ensure God's protection of the sleeper. Headrests also play an important role in the nuptial ceremonies of
Somali nomads. On his wedding night, the groom places the tubash (a sum of money) under the bride's headrest. The morning after the marriage is
consummated, the bride will use this money to purchase an amber necklace, the symbol of her new status.
The headrests are carved from a single piece of fine-grained wood known as hagar in Somali, or also yucub wood. The wood is usually left its natural
color, but is sometimes painted red or black by its owner. They may be carved by the owner or commissioned from an artist.
Somali and Boni nomads make use of two types of headrests; one with a single cylindrical supporting column and one with a double column. It appears
that the different styles are for men of different status, with the single-columned variety for young men and the double-columned variety reserved for
elders. The more elaborate the headrest is, the higher the status is of its owner.
Boni headrest from Somalia
References- National Museum of African Art and Metropolitan Museum of Art
http://www.randafricanart.com/Boni_headrest_Somalia3.html
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| Another beautiful Boni headrest above
being offered at the San Francisco Tribal Art Show from Kip McKesson African
Art. Kip also featured one of his Boni headrests in the catalog for the event (see below). Kip still has a few headrests for sale. |
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| A fantastic Boni headrest featured in
the catalog for the 2006 San Francisco Tribal Art Show by Kip McKesson African Art |
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| Headrest (barkin) Boni peoples Benadir region, Somalia Mid 20th century Wood H x W x D: 16.7 x 14.6 x 7.4 cm (6 9/16 x 5 3/4 x 2 15/16 in.) Gift of Blake Robinson In the collection of the National Museum of African Art 87-3-1 |
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| Headrest, 19th–20th
century Somalia; Somali (?) people Wood; H. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm) The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979 (1979.206.31)In the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYSubtle, curvilinear forms are combined with intricate, incised patterns in this exquisite headrest from eastern Africa. With a crescent- shaped upper platform, small circular or oval base, and two flattened supporting columns, is this style of headrest is found among the nomadic Somali of both southern Somalia and eastern Kenya. Headrests are used by both Somali men and women while resting or sleeping. It is popularly believed that the headrest serves a protective function by elevating the head off the ground during sleep, thereby preventing any possible attack by snakes or scorpions. Men's headrests, such as this one, generally feature a smaller base that makes them somewhat unstable to sleep on, while the rectangular bases of women's headrests are usually more stable. Scholars suggest that this instability is purposeful as it prevents the user from falling into a deep sleep while guarding the herds at night. It is in this sense that the headrest itself has become a symbol of vigilance among Somali nomads. In this example, the surface decorations of both supports are identical and feature interlaced rope motifs on the top and bottom interrupted by a honeycomb-like relief in the middle. The patterns on this and many other Somali headrests probably reflect the Islamic influence in the region. Some scholars interpret the patterns and iconography as a "form of shorthand for a prayer," to ensure God's protection of the sleeper. Headrests also play an important role in the nuptial ceremonies of Somali nomads. On his wedding night, the groom places the tubash (a sum of money) under the bride's headrest. The morning after the marriage is consummated, the bride will use this money to purchase an amber necklace, the symbol of her new status. The headrests are carved from a single piece of fine-grained wood known as hagar in Somali, or also yucub wood. The wood is usually left its natural color, but is sometimes painted red or black by its owner. Somali nomads also make use of another type of headrest with a single cylindrical supporting column. It appears that the different styles are for men of different status, with the single-columned variety for young men and the double-columned variety, as seen here, reserved for elders. |
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| A Southern Somali Double Column
Headrest (1800 - 1900) wood 16.50 cm h x 15 cm w (6 1/4 in h x 5 3/4 in w) Literature These headrests are used by the nomadic Somali in southern Somalia and north eastern Kenya . They are used by both men and women . The male type , as in this fine old example , have a relatively small base and are therefore unstable , making deep undisturbed sleep difficult , and enhancing the men's vigilance in the night . Whilst the examples used by women have a more stable base . The extensive Islamic influence in the region is reflected in the guilloche patterning carved on the sides of the headrest which ensure God's protection for the sleeper . Description / Expertise A Southern Somali Double Column Headrest . Wood with incised decoration , fine old glossy patina 19 th CenturyThis headrest was at the Finch & Co Gallery in the UK |
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| HEADREST [AFE/00374] AFRICAN ETHNOGRAPHIC COLLECTION Culture: SOMALI? Country: SOMALIA? Material: WOOD Dimensions: L:16 W:7 H:17.8 [in CM] In the collection of the American Museum of Natural History, NY |
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| HEADREST [AFE/00375] AFRICAN ETHNOGRAPHIC COLLECTION Culture: SOMALI? Country: SOMALIA? Material: WOOD,COATING Dimensions: L:17.2 W;7.1 H:15.1 [in CM] In the collection of the In the collection of the American Museum of Natural History, NY |
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| HEADREST [AFE/00376] AFRICAN ETHNOGRAPHIC COLLECTION Culture: SOMALI? Country: SOMALIA? Material: WOOD,COATING Dimensions: L:18.4 W:8.2 H:17.3 [in CM] In the collection of the In the collection of the American Museum of Natural History, NY |
| The Boni people are commonly found in the southern part of Somalia and also in Kenya. |
| Rand African Arthome pageAfrican headrests main page |
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