Antique African handcarved stool

This is a beautiful vintage (c1940) hand carved wooden headrest from the Samburu Tribal People of Kenya. This headrest is carved out of a single piece of wood. Headrests come in various shapes and forms. They are ranged from the simple to an elaborately carved artifact. They have abstract shapes, nice lines, and are sometime decorated with sophisticated geometric patterns. Their styles are similar to these found among the other nomadic people of Uganda, Sudan and Kenya, particularly among the Dinka, Maasai, the Karamajong, Rendille, Pokot. Ethiopian headrests mostly come from peoples such as the Somali, Gurage, Kambatta, Sidamo, Oromo, and Arussi. Among these people headrests and stools play a vital role among men. These objects are carefully carved and carried by men everywhere they go. Headrests are used as pillows to help someone to have good deep sleep. They also used as a comfort to help protect ceremonial coiffure. In some occasions headrests are used as stool. This headrest is a personal object, and has become part of the individual. Usually, when the person died, he is buried with his headrest. Sometimes the headrest is passed on to his heir, who would treat it with respect because this wooden piece embodies the spirit of the deceased person. This was collected in the field and shows some age with a nice patina. This would be wonderful gift or a beautiful artifact for your home.

Two available.

fine condition. Lots of character

one has a height of 22cm
the other one a height of 27cm

two available at R450 each or R600 for the two