Wooden headrest with a flat, oblong top, sides carved with vertical curved shapes, and each end with horizontal lines.
Formally, this is an unusual headrest. Zulu headrests in collections of the type with legs of the thorn/horn-shape do not usually display legs carved in relief (i.e. protruding from the support), as in the present case. Rather, the legs typically extend ‘in the round’ from the platform or pillow, but sometimes they include a horizontal element near the base. The legs of this type of headrest usually taper at both ends, with the feet being narrowest. The present headrest combines leg-like forms and a solid, block-like rectangular support. Documented examples of the latter type are usually incised with motifs.
