Ostentatious and Ordinary: EAC Object Stories
Sarah Hodge
Kuba Headrest
Head Rest, 20th Century, 1915.455
The Head Rest 1915.455 originates from the Kuba people of the Congo River Basin circa the early 20th century. The object is of wooden construction and stained dark to protect the original surface. The top of the headrest contains two rows of diamond–shaped carving decorations. The head rest has four pillars that are hand-carved with waves and diamond shapes. Headrests in the Kuba Kingdom, like the one above, were often used to protect elaborate hairstyles while resting.
Metadata
Creator
Unknown maker
Date
Twentieth century
Culture
Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba
Medium
Wood
Measurements
11.4 x 7.6 cm (4 ½ x 3 in.)
Credit Line
The Cleveland Museum of Art Educational Purchase Fund, 1915.455
Description
Wooden headrest with carved decorations
Fun Fact
The headrests were often used to protect elaborate hairstyles while resting.
StoryMap: Travels of a Kuba Headrest
Explore the history of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Head Rest 1915.455 from its origins in Africa to its use in museum classrooms today.
Show What You Know: Kuba Art at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Show what you know about Kuba Art by playing the interactive quiz game below.
