Headrest

Turkana or Potok peoples

Not on view

The nomadic lifestyle of the pastoralist Turkana peoples of northwestern Kenya and their custom of wearing elaborate coiffures made the use of light, portable headrests a necessity. Supported by two slender legs and decorated by tightly interwoven leather strings, this simple headrest may have belonged to a young man. Indeed, there is evidence that different styles of headrests and degrees of elaboration reflect the age and status of their owners.

Headrest, Wood, leather twine, Turkana or Potok peoples

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