A Fine north-eastern Shona, Barwe-Tonga, Zimbawe, borders of Mozambique, carved wood men's Headrest 'Mutsago'
A fine north-eastern Shona, Barwe-Tonga, Zimbabwe, borders of Mozambique, carved wood men's Headrest 'Mutsago'
19th Century
Size : 11.5 cm high, 14.5 cm wide, 6.5 cm deep
4½ ins high, 5¾ ins wide, 2½ ins deep
19th Century
Size : 11.5 cm high, 14.5 cm wide, 6.5 cm deep
4½ ins high, 5¾ ins wide, 2½ ins deep
This beautiful headrest has a fine patina and two very thinly carved central supporting pillars which are quite distinct and different from the eastern area Shona headrests. The pillar is separated by a small horizontal rod which also indicates it is from the Barwe-Tonga, a Tsonga-speaking people, related to the Shona, of the north eastern area.
These headrests were owned by men and were often buried with them as they were regarded as part of their spiritual being, as well as a symbol of status.
These headrests were owned by men and were often buried with them as they were regarded as part of their spiritual being, as well as a symbol of status.
A Fine north-eastern Shona, Barwe-Tonga, Zimbawe, borders of Mozambique, carved wood men's Headrest 'Mutsago'
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