Neckrest "musaw", end of the19th century
D. R. Congo, Yaka
not available anymore
Provenance
Lucas Ratton, Paris, FranceSize
H: 14 cm
L: 14 cm
H: 5.5 inch
L: 5.5 inch
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.