Neckrest "musaw", end of the19th century ·  D. R. Congo, Yaka · ID: 3041078

Description

wood, shiny, middle brown patina, squatting caryatid figure with extremely elongated and strong arms, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
elaborate coiffures necessitate an object of traditional furniture as a headrest. When lying on one’s side, this small object supports the head just below the ear at the junction of neck and head. It is probable that most Yaka headrests had a charm packet inserted into a prepared cavity, or charms where otherwise attached. This served to protect the owner from malevolent influences while sleeping.

Expertise

Lucas Ratton, Paris 18 October 2012