TWO VINTAGE EAST AFRICAN CARVED WOOD HEADRESTS, POSSIBLY SOMALIAN, EARLY 20TH CENTURY, each with a flat ovoid headrest with upturned ends raised on two curved supports and tapering circular bases, the largest height: 7 1/8"; the smallest height: 5 3/4". Note: This style of headrest is used by Somali peoples in present day Southern Somalia, and Eastern Kenya, as well as in Ethiopia. They are often carved from one piece of wood and in a variety of styles. This double support design, with a crescent platform and small oval base is unstable but is made like this so the user is prevented from falling into a deep sleep when minding the herd. The elevated design also helps the resting individual from possible deadly attacks by scorpions, and snakes or from bites from ground crawling insects.

Both have surface dust buildup, chips, old cracks. The smaller headrest has old repairs with raffia or twine, both are very light, Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."