carving, assemblage, sculpture, wood
african-art
carving
assemblage
sculpture
sculpture
wood
Dimensions: (15.7 x 15.7 x 8.9 cm)
Copyright: Public Domain
This headrest was created by a Luba artist, in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Luba culture, objects such as this transcend mere functionality; they embody the spiritual values of the community. Headrests were deeply personal objects, often used by individuals of high status, and were considered so intrinsic that they were buried with their owners. Imagine the quiet moments of rest and reflection this object supported. It provided more than physical comfort, it was also believed to invite prophetic dreams and connect the sleeper to their ancestors. The craftsmanship itself communicates status and identity. While we don't know the name of the artist, their skill in carving and embellishing the wood speaks to their position within Luba society. This headrest, elevated from the earth, is a poignant symbol of the intertwined relationship between the corporeal and the spiritual.
Comments
The Luba use headrests to protect the elaborate coiffure that is important to their culture. The coiffure, a tradition seen in many African cultures, represents age, status, and gender and is typically adorned with metal, beads, and charms for spiritual power. In addition to the coiffure, scarification is also an important element in Luba tradition because it represents status and is often done to commemorate a rite of passage. On this headrest, the decorative metal tacks create a raised surface that leaves an imprint on the skin when the user sleeps on their side. These imprints represent the tradition of scarification in Luba culture called ntapo.
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