Songye headrest
Headrest: preserving hairstyles in African art
Ex Belgian african art collector
This very refined African neckrest, with a dense and dark patina, still has a very shiny appearance following the multiple applications of palm oil. Although it is attributed to the Songye, its rounded shapes and corners, its scarifications, the detail of the beard and hairstyle as well as the treatment of the surface rather refer to the sculptural traditions of the regions located to the east of the Songye.
In reality, caryatid seats and neckrests are not common among the Songye; the existing specimens undoubtedly come from bordering territories, zones of ethnic mixture and contact with neighboring populations, especially the Luba and the Hemba.
01533
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1960
- Size
- 15 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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Headrest: preserving hairstyles in African art
Ex Belgian african art collector
This very refined African neckrest, with a dense and dark patina, still has a very shiny appearance following the multiple applications of palm oil. Although it is attributed to the Songye, its rounded shapes and corners, its scarifications, the detail of the beard and hairstyle as well as the treatment of the surface rather refer to the sculptural traditions of the regions located to the east of the Songye.
In reality, caryatid seats and neckrests are not common among the Songye; the existing specimens undoubtedly come from bordering territories, zones of ethnic mixture and contact with neighboring populations, especially the Luba and the Hemba.