Headrest Date Unknown

This headrest, of unknown date and origin, is made of wood and bound with fiber. The anonymous maker carved the support to feature stylized animal heads at each end, bringing it into the realm of art. But, let’s consider the labor involved in its making. It begins with the selection of the right piece of wood, then skillful carving. The maker would have needed a sharp blade to shape the animal heads. Finally, the fiber that binds the headrest together also had to be gathered and prepared. This wasn't just an aesthetic object; it was an intimate, functional item. It speaks to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its maker, who transformed humble materials into an object of both practical and artistic value. Examining such objects allows us to reconsider the traditional divide between art and craft, and to appreciate the artistry embedded in everyday life.