Neckrest

Accession Number
1985/2.2

Title
Neckrest

Artist(s)
Kuba

Artist Nationality
Kuba (Democratic Republic of Congo style)

Object Creation Date
circa 1950

Medium & Support
carved wood

Dimensions
4 7/8 in x 2 5/8 in x 9 in (12.4 cm x 6.7 cm x 22.9 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Marc Leo Felix, Brussels

Label copy
Neckrests serve as carved wooden pillows that keep the neck cool and protect elaborate hairdos. Especially in the past, great spiritual significance was attributed to them because they were vehicles through which ancestral and other spirits were contacted in dreams. The geometric patterns on the surface of the neckrest make an imprint on the sleeper's skin, impressing motifs meant to enhance the messages of dreams onto the body.

Primary Object Classification
Furniture and Furniture Accessories

Primary Object Type
pedestal

Collection Area
African

Rights
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Keywords
Kuba (Democratic Republic of Congo style)
Objects We Use
furniture

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted