East Africa, Southern Somalia, Somali or Boni peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. An elegant carved wooden headrest or barkin from the Boni or Somali peoples of Somalia. The headrest is carved from a single piece of fine-grained wood known as hagar in Somali (or yucub) wood. As we see in this example, the wood is usually left its natural color. The carving on this piece is so fine, it was likely commissioned from an artist rather than created by the owner. The patterns covering the piece reflect the Islamic influence over this region. Scholars have interpreted the patterns and the iconography to be a "form of shorthand for a prayer" created to ensure divine protection for the sleeper. Such headrests have traditionally been created for men and women. This example is a men's headrest as it features a smaller base making it relatively unstable to sleep upon. On the other hand women's headrests usually possess more stable rectangular bases. The principle behind the small and easily unbalanced base of the men's headrest is that the enable the user to maintain alertness and readily wake to action. Carved from a sturdy but light wood, such headrests have traditionally been used by herdsmen who favor them so that they can keep a vigilant eye upon their herds. The Boni shepherds actually rest while standing on a single leg, all the while lying upon the neckrest that is set upon their shoulder. The idea is that the resting herdsman will not be able to fall asleep without falling over and hence waking himself. Headrests are also thought to play a significant role in the nuptial ceremonies of Somali nomads. According to tradition, the groom places a tubash (sum of money) under the bride's headrest on his wedding night. On the morning after the consummation of the marriage, the bride will use this money to purchase an amber necklace, the symbol of her new status. A breathtaking example associated with fascinating customs and symbolism! Size: 6" W x 6.75" H (15.2 cm x 17.1 cm)

At a Sotheby's Paris auction, a similar example hammered at 960 Euros! See http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2007/african-and-oceanic-art-session-i-various-owners-session-ii-andreas-and-kathrin-lindner-collection-greub-collection-pf7006/lot.273.html Furthermore, comparable works reside in some of the most prestigious museums throughout the world. Follow this link to see a similar example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1979.206.31/).



Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos, Chicago, IL, acquired before 1975

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#113393

Superb. One age crack to base and lower end, but otherwise intact with gracefully aged surface.