Headrest

1850-1950; Zaire, Yaka; Wood, brass studs, copper, brass wire; 17.5 x 24.1 cm (6 7/8 x 9 1/2 in.); Founders Society Purchase, Eleanor Clay Ford Fund for African Art; 78.76

This beautiful headrest made by the Yaka of Zaire supported the wearer's neck so that his or her elaborate coiffure would not be destroyed while sleeping. The headrest is supported on the back of a pangolin (also called the scaly anteater) whose scaly body is suggested by the many brass studs. This animal was sacred to many people in Zaire for its extraordinary appearance and for its ability to roll itself up in a hard ball to prevent harm from even such a powerful enemy as a leopard. Pangolin scales are used as protective charms against evil.

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