Rare Unique Carved Zulu Headrest Solid Wood South Africa Early 20th Century #467
Specifications
| All Returns Accepted | ReturnsNotAccepted |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Author | None |
| Color | Brown & Black |
| Material | Wood |
| Item Length | 2.5 inches |
| Maker | Zulu Artisan |
| Type | Headrest |
| Item Height | 4.5 inches |
| Original/Reproduction | Original |
| Style | None |
| Tribe | Zulu |
| Country Of Origin | South Africa |
| Item Width | 14 inches |
This elaborately carved, unique and beautiful Zulu headrest would be a prized addition to any collection. Zulu headrests are known as Isigqiki (Izigqiki) or Isicamelo. Elaborate ones, like this one, are more likely associated with the Chiefdoms. But anyone can have his or her headrest as a personal object. In the past, a Zulu woman, prior to her marriage, would have a headrest carved for her future husband and one for herself to be presented to her groom at their wedding, as part of the wedding trousseau (Umaho). This headrest, from Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, was hand carved from a single piece of wood. Three rectangular pedestals support a 14" x 2.5" platform with two long grooves at each end for resting the head. The pedestals are each elaborately carved on both front and back with the distinctive lines formed of small carved squares. The finish has aged to a rich patina that is smooth to the touch and varies in color from black to honey gold. These headrests were often used the entire life of one individual and were unique to each person. Some expected wear is apparent on the edges of the piece for a piece of this age. The bottom of one of the columns has some loss of the bottom line of carving and an old chip to the wood. It is rare to find an example of this age and quality. A piece for advance collectors of African Artifacts. Early 20th Century. 14" x 2.5" x 4.5"