Chokwe Stool
, 19th century
h = 24 in
Wood, Metal
More properly called royal thrones, the headrests feature maternity themes, reinforcing the central role of women in African kingship . Headrests are used as pillows to preserve intricate and labor-intensive coiffures, and to keep the head and neck cool during sleep. Headrests were so highly valued that there were actually buried with their owners, or interred in place of the deceased when the body was irretrievable.