Shilluk headrest
Other views of this artifact:
Accession Number:
1961.9.4
Country:
Sudan
Region:
[Southern Sudan]
Cultural Group:
Shilluk
Date Made:
By 1961
Materials:
Wood Plant
Process:
Carved , Stained ?
Dimensions:
L = 663, Max Ht = 338, seat W = 26.8, th = 25.8, back leg W = 19.5, th = 19 mm [RTS 22/3/2005].
Weight:
411.3 g
Other Owners:
Mr & Mrs A.J. Forster
Field Collector:
?Mr & Mrs A.J. Forster
PRM Source:
Mr & Mrs A.J. Forster
Acquired:
Donated September 1961
Collected Date:
By 1961
Description:
Headrest carved from a single piece of dark brown wood (Pantone 7533C), the surface of which may have been stained as the wood beneath is a much lighter orangey brown.
This is an example of 'found form', a naturally occurring tree branch with subsidiary limbs coming off the main body to form the feet, chosen because its shape was particularly suited to the intended use.
This was shaped by trimming off excess foliage, removing the outer bark covering, cutting the ends of the feet flat and carving either end of the seat for decorative effect.
The result is a somewhat stylised form resembling a giraffe, consisting of a shaped, triangular head depicting 2 upright bony protuberances at the top and the single knob at the centre of the forehead, typical of the animal, with 2 small knobs on either side of the head representing the ears.
The underside and back of the head have been cut flat, with the whole sitting at right angles to an elongated neck.
This has been carved with a slight ridge running down the back, that disappears as the branch flattens out to form an elongated, narrow seat with a slightly oval section.
The seat tapers slightly to the other end, which has been carved with a series of 4 flanges, or carinated conical beading, and a flat end.
3 narrow legs extend from the underside of the seat, 2 near the front, splaying out in different directions, and a single foot at an obtuse angle towards the back.
The surface has been smoothed.
The object is complete, but has some holes bored in the seat through insect activity, damage to the tops of the bony protuberances on the head, and some splits at the base of one foot.
Wear on the underside of the 2 other feet show that the headrest had been used.
It has a weight of 411.3 grams, and is 663 mm long, with a maximum height of 338 mm.
The seat is 26.8 mm wide and 25.8 mm thick, and the back leg is 19.5 mm wide and 19 mm thick.
Donated to the Pitt Rivers Museum by Mr & Mrs A.J. Forster in September 1961. It is not known if they were also the collectors of this object.
Rachael Sparks 30/9/2005.
Donated to the Pitt Rivers Museum by Mr & Mrs A.J. Forster in September 1961. It is not known if they were also the collectors of this object.
Rachael Sparks 30/9/2005.
Primary Documentation:
Accession Book Entry
[p.
45] - Mr & Mrs A.J.
FORSTER, St Mary's ...
OXFORD.
Mr.
Forster was some time Bursar of MAGDALEN Coll., Oxford.
1961.9.4 - SUDAN, SHILLUK.
Wooden pillow, 67cm.
long, of thin tree-branch, in shape of 3-legged animal.
Card Catalogue Entry - There is no further information on the tribes catalogue card [RTS 23/7/2004].
Pitt Rivers Museum label - 1961.9.4 SHILLUK PILLOW. d.d. Mr + Mrs A.J. Forster [circular metal-edged tag, tied to object; RTS 17/3/2005].
Card Catalogue Entry - There is no further information on the tribes catalogue card [RTS 23/7/2004].
Pitt Rivers Museum label - 1961.9.4 SHILLUK PILLOW. d.d. Mr + Mrs A.J. Forster [circular metal-edged tag, tied to object; RTS 17/3/2005].
