Headrest

Boni, Somalia
Late 19th/Early 20th Century


This is an excellent example of a Boni headrest. The superb sculpturally quality is demonstrated in the deep curvature of the ‘pillow’ as well as the base. The side of these headrests symbolize a stylized phallus and the object as a whole represents the bush cow; the curving pillow being the horns. The deeply carved designs show the Islamic influence present in the Sudan. This is a very old example, most on the market today are recent in creation. The wood is very hard and the patina is deep; an attractive old repair is present on the top of the left ‘horn’.

This headrest stands inches 7 tall.

SOLD / IN 7-04-09