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.

Plus de Pan African Heritage Museum

Songye Comb
h = 300 cm
Pan African Heritage Museum
Ivory Comb
h = 300 cm
Pan African Heritage Museum
Wall Text
h = 300 cm
Pan African Heritage Museum
Aksum Romhai Tomb
h = 300 cm
Pan African Heritage Museum
Coptic Priest Lalibela
h = 300 cm
Pan African Heritage Museum