A Fine and Old Shona Headrest with Five Central Rings
A Fine and Old Shona Headrest with Five Central Rings
Superb aged crusty and smooth patina
Partial old loss to one ‘circle’
Wood
South Africa
19th Century
SIZE: 15cm high, 22cm wide, 7.5cm deep - 6 ins high, 8⁵⁄₈ ins wide, 3 ins deep
Superb aged crusty and smooth patina
Partial old loss to one ‘circle’
Wood
South Africa
19th Century
SIZE: 15cm high, 22cm wide, 7.5cm deep - 6 ins high, 8⁵⁄₈ ins wide, 3 ins deep
A Fine and Old Shona Headrest with Five Central Rings
Superb aged crusty and smooth patina
Partial old loss to one ‘circle’
Wood
South Africa
19th Century
SIZE: 15cm high, 22cm wide, 7.5cm deep - 6 ins high, 8⁵⁄₈ ins wide, 3 ins deep
Superb aged crusty and smooth patina
Partial old loss to one ‘circle’
Wood
South Africa
19th Century
SIZE: 15cm high, 22cm wide, 7.5cm deep - 6 ins high, 8⁵⁄₈ ins wide, 3 ins deep
The abstract designs of these Shona headrests evoke the form of a human body. The triangle and circle motifs stretch up the vertical support unites to touch the top where triangles are pierced and run across the smooth dark surface. The scarification to the outer top edges of this headrest imitates that found on the smooth skin of Shona women. The headrest makes this link real and visible as the designs cut into the upper surface would be imprinted onto the sleeping owner’s cheek.
Ex Private collection Edric Van Vredenburgh, published no. 206, vol 2, EVV collection catalogue 2014
Purchased Portobello Road, 1970’s
Purchased Portobello Road, 1970’s
A Fine and Old Shona Headrest with Five Central Rings
