Somali Headrest
A classic Somali man's headrest (barkin). The elaborate carved patterns are thought to reflect Islamic influence; the rather unstable base is said to encourage vigilance while out tending the herds. Headrests were (and are) used all over sub-Saharan Africa to keep the sleeper's head elevated above the ground — and to protect one's hairstyle, which can take a long time to put together! (See image of a Turkana man using a headrest while napping.) Headrests often had a spiritual element as well, guiding dreams, and protecting the sleeper from malevolent spirits. As such, they were prized personal possessions, carefully crafted, and used for many years. Headrests are fascinating cultural objects that come in an infinite variety of forms, making them very rewarding to collect.
A classic Somali man's headrest (barkin). The elaborate carved patterns are thought to reflect Islamic influence; the rather unstable base is said to encourage vigilance while out tending the herds. Headrests were (and are) used all over sub-Saharan Africa to keep the sleeper's head elevated above the ground — and to protect one's hairstyle, which can take a long time to put together! (See image of a Turkana man using a headrest while napping.) Headrests often had a spiritual element as well, guiding dreams, and protecting the sleeper from malevolent spirits. As such, they were prized personal possessions, carefully crafted, and used for many years. Headrests are fascinating cultural objects that come in an infinite variety of forms, making them very rewarding to collect.
A classic Somali man's headrest (barkin). The elaborate carved patterns are thought to reflect Islamic influence; the rather unstable base is said to encourage vigilance while out tending the herds. Headrests were (and are) used all over sub-Saharan Africa to keep the sleeper's head elevated above the ground — and to protect one's hairstyle, which can take a long time to put together! (See image of a Turkana man using a headrest while napping.) Headrests often had a spiritual element as well, guiding dreams, and protecting the sleeper from malevolent spirits. As such, they were prized personal possessions, carefully crafted, and used for many years. Headrests are fascinating cultural objects that come in an infinite variety of forms, making them very rewarding to collect.