Turkana
Headrest
1933-1966
Scroll
Turkana
Headrest
1933-1966
Physical Qualities
Wood, metal, plastic beads, 8 1/2 × 7 × 4 in. (21.6 × 17.8 × 10.2 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Jonathan and Ellen Maltz, Brookeville, Maryland
Object Number
2016.111
Headrest (most likely Turkana). Displays the characteristic Turkana arcs and curves both in the convex headrest itself as well as in the body that supports it. The object is plated on the sides and bottom in a metal of some sort (possibly aluminum) and there is carving on the base of the headrest that descends from the top until the bottom. The carrying strap is not a strap but intead a metal (again, possibly aluminum) that has been hammered into the wood (it can be seen on the other side). Around this strap is a metal band with plastic beads in pink, grey, and assorted non-Turkana colors. There seems to be a white coating over the entire object. Testing is needed to determine whether or not this is fatty bloom or not.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2016; Jonathan and Ellen Maltz, Brookeville, MD by purchase, early-mid 1980s; Totem Menigeli Gallery, Johannesburg
