Shankadi Headrest

Neckrests are used throughout Sub-Saharan Africa as a means to keep the elaborate coiffures worn by many tribal people intact while sleeping. This particular neckrest hails for the Luba-Sankadi and may be identified by the style of the coif of the individuals.

The neckrest presents a motif of two individuals riding an antelope, with stylized tresses denoting nobility. The imagery may refer to mythological or cosmological motifs. As there are no horses in Congo, the motif may also be a misrepresentation of early imagery that was traded into the area and re-imagined by the Luba as a riders on an antelope.

This neckrest is similar to older examples of similar form, however this neckrest, though traditionally made, was styled after archaic forms, but made in the middle of the 20th century. The surface has been well worn and rubbed and has a patination consistent with use and wear from having been slept on.