Head rest
Zulu headrests are remarkably diverse in form and decoration, many having as many as eight legs. It is unknown why so many styles exist, particularly in examples like this one. Regional variations suggest that particular Zulu-speaking groups may have favoured particular forms and patterns. Multiple legs might be a reference to cattle as they are a source of wealth. In the 19th century Zulu tradition, headrests formed part of the dowries young Zulu-speaking brides took with them to their husband’s homesteads.
Catherine Elliott, Nessa Leibhammer, 2017 DDF Africa research:
This object was “seen in making by donor.” Pokerwork – classic styled long example. IsiZulu term: isigqiki. Inscribed '67' in white paint (underside).
Capt. Bannister collection. Length = 563mm.
Catherine Elliott, Nessa Leibhammer, 2017 DDF Africa research:
This object was “seen in making by donor.” Pokerwork – classic styled long example. IsiZulu term: isigqiki. Inscribed '67' in white paint (underside).
Capt. Bannister collection. Length = 563mm.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 3/1921/2
- Category
- Ethnography
- Collection Class
- Household objects
- Collection Area Region
- S
- Material
- wood
- Common Name
- head rest
- Simple Name
- head rest
- Production County
- Colony of Natal (now southern KwaZulu-Natal)
- Production Country
- South Africa
- Production Year High
- 1921
