Somali, Barkin (Barshin) headrest

Description

Somali
Barkin (Barshin) headrest

early 20th century
carved wood
7.25 h x 7.25 w x 3.5 d in (18 x 18 x 9 cm)

A superb example of a male elder's headrest featuring finely carved interlace motifs, a stepped base, and a deeply curved saddle. A raised boss projects from the central base toward a corresponding boss beneath the saddle, while the intricate decoration may have been inspired by Islamic motifs.

Provenance: James Stephenson African Art, New York | Private Collection

Literature: "Extensions of the Self: Artistry and Identity in the Headrests and Stools of Southwest Ethiopian Peoples," Abbink, African Arts, vol. 48, 2015, illustrates related examples African Dream Machines: Style, Identity and Meaning in African Headrests, Nettleton, ppg. 190-196, 217, 220-222, fig. 194, illustrate related examples in the British Museum collected in 1935 Sleeping Beauties: The Jerome L. Joss Collection of African Headrests at UCLA, Dewey, ppg 40-41 illustrate related examples.

This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.

Condition

Good condition. Scattered scratches, scuffs, and abrasions throughout.

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Somali, Barkin (Barshin) headrest

Lot 0145

Estimate $1,000-$1,500Aug 11, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT

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