Accession Number
1985/2.52

Title
Double Neckrest

Artist(s)
Kuba

Artist Nationality
Kuba (Democratic Republic of Congo style)

Object Creation Date
late 19th century

Medium & Support
carved wood

Dimensions
7 in x 3 9/16 in x 19 in (17.8 cm x 9 cm x 48.2 cm)

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

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 neckfest make an imprint on the sleeper's skin, impressing motifs meant to enhance the messages of dreams onto the body.

Subject matter
double neck rests are rare

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Collection Area
African

Rights
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Keywords
Objects