Headrest No. 1180 (Dinka People, South Sudan)

This headrest was constructed by the Dinka People of the Republic of South Sudan. Typically, these headrests feature two or three (as in this object) legs or “links.” By social custom, the headrest is also conceptualized as a vehicle for communication with Dinka ancestors: “…dreams are considered to be sent by ancestors, and because dreams are dreamt on headrests, the headrest is a kind of antenna, and the strength of the signal is increased if the headrest is inherited from a senior relative.”

REFERENCES: Nettleton, Anitra. 2007. African Dream Machines: Style, Identity and Meaning of African Headrests. Johannesburg: Wits University Press.