The Democratic Republic of the Congo formally known as Zaire, is a land locked country located in Central Africa. There are over 200 ethnic groups which include the Kongo, Luna, Azande (pygmy) and Mongo people. Between them all, several hundred local languages and dialects are spoken.

In various parts of Africa including the Congo, headrests are used to preserve elaborate hairdos while the person rests. At one point in time though headrest were thought to be devices used to communicate with ancestors! Just one look at some of the intricate Luba hair designs and one could immediately understand the correct usage and necessity for such an invention.

The styles of headrest vary from tribe to tribe as does the ornamentation. Some are as elaborate as the hairdos they protect while a few others are portrayed in a bare, unadorned, simplistic form. The Congo headrest pictured above was selected for its fundamental beauty. The smooth round base mound, sleek slender stem and contoured saddle style pillow head have been crafted from a native solid wood which has attained a thin sheen from usage. The only added feature is a leather strap which was used to carry the item around.

Please clock photo for enlargement!

Dimensions: 7 1/2 inches tall x 6 1/2 inches x 5 inches across pillow head.

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