East African carved wooden headrest attributed to the Turkana–Karamojong cultural region of Kenya and Uganda, formed with a curved rectangular head support and two tapering legs joined by a wrapped metal stabilising element, from the Egon Guenther Collection.

East African Wooden Headrest Attributed to the Turkana–Karamojong Cultural Region, Kenya / Uganda, For Sale

€325.00
€325.00
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East African carved wooden headrest attributed to the Turkana–Karamojong cultural region of Kenya and Uganda, formed with a curved rectangular head support and two tapering legs joined by a wrapped metal stabilising element, from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • East African carved wooden headrest attributed to the Turkana–Karamojong cultural region of Kenya and Uganda, formed with a curved rectangular head support and two tapering legs joined by a wrapped metal stabilising element, from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Front view of a traditional East African pastoral headrest carved from wood, featuring a curved sleeping platform supported by flared legs and a leather-bound cross brace, associated with pastoral communities of northern Kenya and northeastern Uganda, from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • East African carved wooden headrest with flared tapering supports, concave neck rest, and central leather-bound suspension loop, showing surface wear and patina consistent with prolonged use. Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection, by descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection, Netherlands.
  • Detail view of an East African carved wooden headrest showing the original leather suspension element secured beneath the central support, with attached bead ornament and aged leather bindings, illustrating traditional construction, long-term use, and ownership history from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Side profile view of an East African carved wooden headrest attributed to the Turkana or Karamojong cultural region, showing the elongated support column, smooth polished patina, age-related wear, and hand-carved construction characteristic of pastoralist headrests collected in East Africa.
  • Interior view of an East African carved wooden headrest showing the hollowed underside, bent support form, suspension cord attachment, and polished surface wear from use. Ethnographic headrest carved from a single piece of wood, from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Interior view of an East African carved wooden tribal headrest showing the underside of the sleep platform, curved supporting columns, polished surface wear, dark patina from prolonged use, and a fibre-bound repair securing the structural supports.
  • East African carved wooden headrest attributed to the Turkana–Karamojong cultural region of Kenya and Uganda, formed with a curved rectangular head support and two tapering legs joined by a wrapped metal stabilising element, from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Front view of a traditional East African pastoral headrest carved from wood, featuring a curved sleeping platform supported by flared legs and a leather-bound cross brace, associated with pastoral communities of northern Kenya and northeastern Uganda, from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • East African carved wooden headrest with flared tapering supports, concave neck rest, and central leather-bound suspension loop, showing surface wear and patina consistent with prolonged use. Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection, by descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection, Netherlands.
  • Detail view of an East African carved wooden headrest showing the original leather suspension element secured beneath the central support, with attached bead ornament and aged leather bindings, illustrating traditional construction, long-term use, and ownership history from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Side profile view of an East African carved wooden headrest attributed to the Turkana or Karamojong cultural region, showing the elongated support column, smooth polished patina, age-related wear, and hand-carved construction characteristic of pastoralist headrests collected in East Africa.
  • Interior view of an East African carved wooden headrest showing the hollowed underside, bent support form, suspension cord attachment, and polished surface wear from use. Ethnographic headrest carved from a single piece of wood, from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Interior view of an East African carved wooden tribal headrest showing the underside of the sleep platform, curved supporting columns, polished surface wear, dark patina from prolonged use, and a fibre-bound repair securing the structural supports.
East African Wooden Headrest Attributed to the Turkana–Karamojong Cultural Region, Kenya / Uganda, For Sale

East African Wooden Headrest Attributed to the Turkana–Karamojong Cultural Region, Kenya / Uganda, For Sale

€325.00
€325.00
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

This wooden headrest is attributed to the Turkana–Karamojong cultural region of East Africa, encompassing pastoral communities of present-day northern Kenya and northeastern Uganda. Headrests of this type were used during sleep and rest to support the head while helping preserve carefully arranged hairstyles and reducing contact with the ground. Such objects were practical personal possessions that accompanied their owners throughout daily life.

Carved from a single block of wood, the headrest displays a balanced architectural form with broad flaring supports and a gently curved neck rest. The surviving leather suspension element and bead attachment contribute to its authenticity and traditional character. Surface wear, handling marks, shrinkage cracks and a developed patina are consistent with long-term use. Examples from this cultural region remain desirable among collectors of African ethnographic art and pastoral material culture.

Circa: Early to Mid-20th Century

Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection, by family descent to Thomas Guenther Collection, Netherlands.

Measurements: 18.2 × 19.3 × 6.4 cm

Weight: 316 g

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