Because the head is frequently associated with spiritual power and the concentrated essence of a human being, the object on which it rests is often a revered art form. In East and Central Africa wooden supports are constructed to cradle the neck during sleep and to protect an elaborate coiffure, a key aspect of individual identity and status. Such supports can also serve as vehicles for bridging human and ancestral realms. From ancient to modern times East Asian peoples have made pillows from a wide variety of materials, including stone, clay, wood, grass, bamboo, rattan, and cloth. Through their form and decorative motifs, many of these provide clues to a group’s social and spiritual life. Among Pacific peoples elaborate headrests serve as prestige items elevating one’s position in society.
Headrest
Tonga or Fiji
Wood
19th-early 20th century
W: 47.0 cm, H: 16.0 cm, D: 14.5 cm (W: 18.5 in, H: 6.2 in, D: 5.7 in)
Fowler Museum at UCLA. The Jerome L. Joss Collection. X86.2409
Headrest
Tonga or Fiji
Wood and plant fiber
19th-early 20th century
W: 41.5 cm, H: 13.2 cm, D: 13.5 cm (W: 16.3 in, H: 5.1 in, D: 5.3 in)
Fowler Museum at UCLA. The Jerome L. Joss Collection. X86.2455
Headrest
Kenya
Rendille peoples
Wood and metal
19th- early 20th century
W: 36.2 cm, H: 22.2 cm, D: 19.0 cm (W: 14.2 in, H: 8.7 in, D: 7.4 in)
Fowler Museum at UCLA. The Jerome L. Joss Collection. X88.301
Headrest
Egypt
Old Kingdrom
Alabaster
2290-2155 B.C.E.
H: 22.5 cm, W: 21.6 cm (H: 8.8 in, W: 8.5 in)
Fowler Museum at UCLA. The Jerome L. Joss Collection. X90.428
Headrest
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mbala or Teke peoples
Wood
19th-early 20th century
H: 16.8cm, W: 15.5 cm, D: 11.5 cm (H: 6.6 in, W: 6.1 in, D: 4.5 in)
Fowler Museum at UCLA. The Jerome L. Joss Collection. X91.325
Headrest
Kenya or Uganda
Pokot, Turkana, or Karamajong peoples
Leather, beads, wood, string
19th-early 20th century
H: 20 cm, W: 11.6 cm, D: 5 cm (H: 7.8 in, W: 4.5 in, D: 1.9 in)
Fowler Museum at UCLA. The Jerome L. Joss Collection. X91.59
Headrest
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Luba peoples
Wood and copper
19th century
H: 15.5 cm, W: 9.9 cm, D: 8.5 cm (H: 6.1 in, W: 3.8 in, D: 3.3 in)
Fowler Museum at UCLA. The Jerome L. Joss Collection. X91.60
Headrest
Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua (New Guinea), Indonesia
19th-early 20th century
Wood
H: 18.0 cm, W: 16.5 cm, D: 5.5 cm (H: 7.1 in, W: 6.5 in, D: 2.2 in)
The Jerome L. Joss Collection. X92.16