Wooden headrest / small stool – attributed to Pokot – Kenya – Wood (No reserve price)
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€ 130
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €130 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €121 | |
| €95 | |
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Wooden headrest / small stool attributed to the Pokot, Kenya; wood; mid-20th century; collected in situ by the present owner; good condition; authenticity original.
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Description from the seller
Wooden headrest / small stool – attributed to Pokot – Kenya – Wood
Details
Origin: Kenya
People: attributed to the Pokot
Type: Headrest / small stool
Material: Wood
Dimensions:
- Height: 23 cm
- Base: approx. 13.5 x 10.5 cm
- Upper support: approx. 22 x 13 cm
Period: mid-20th century
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner
Description
A fine Kenyan wooden headrest, attributed to the Pokot people.
Among several pastoral communities of northern Kenya and neighbouring regions, wooden headrests were highly personal utilitarian objects. They were used during rest or sleep, helping to support the head and protect elaborate hairstyles, but some larger three-legged forms could also function as small stools.
This example is especially interesting for its unusual proportions. With its relatively high construction, dense heavy wood and stable base, it evokes both a headrest and a small occasional stool. The object has a strong architectural presence, with three vertical supports rising from an oval base to support a broad, gently curved upper platform.
The upper support is elongated and softly rounded, with a saddle-like curve. The base is compact and well balanced, while the three supports give the piece a sculptural rhythm. The whole form is both functional and expressive, with a very appealing sense of strength and simplicity.
The wood has developed a beautiful old patina from use, with warm reddish-brown tones, darker areas, softened edges and numerous handling marks. The surface wear reinforces the personal and utilitarian character of the object.
A particularly attractive Kenyan headrest / small stool, appreciated for its atypical proportions, dense wood, fine old patina and strong sculptural presence.
Condition
Good condition overall, with wear, abrasions, scratches, small marks, minor losses and surface irregularities consistent with age and use.
Old usage patina.
Stable construction.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The headrest / small stool only.
No stand included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Wooden headrest / small stool – attributed to Pokot – Kenya – Wood
Details
Origin: Kenya
People: attributed to the Pokot
Type: Headrest / small stool
Material: Wood
Dimensions:
- Height: 23 cm
- Base: approx. 13.5 x 10.5 cm
- Upper support: approx. 22 x 13 cm
Period: mid-20th century
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner
Description
A fine Kenyan wooden headrest, attributed to the Pokot people.
Among several pastoral communities of northern Kenya and neighbouring regions, wooden headrests were highly personal utilitarian objects. They were used during rest or sleep, helping to support the head and protect elaborate hairstyles, but some larger three-legged forms could also function as small stools.
This example is especially interesting for its unusual proportions. With its relatively high construction, dense heavy wood and stable base, it evokes both a headrest and a small occasional stool. The object has a strong architectural presence, with three vertical supports rising from an oval base to support a broad, gently curved upper platform.
The upper support is elongated and softly rounded, with a saddle-like curve. The base is compact and well balanced, while the three supports give the piece a sculptural rhythm. The whole form is both functional and expressive, with a very appealing sense of strength and simplicity.
The wood has developed a beautiful old patina from use, with warm reddish-brown tones, darker areas, softened edges and numerous handling marks. The surface wear reinforces the personal and utilitarian character of the object.
A particularly attractive Kenyan headrest / small stool, appreciated for its atypical proportions, dense wood, fine old patina and strong sculptural presence.
Condition
Good condition overall, with wear, abrasions, scratches, small marks, minor losses and surface irregularities consistent with age and use.
Old usage patina.
Stable construction.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The headrest / small stool only.
No stand included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Details
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Wooden headrest / small stool – attributed to Pokot – Kenya – Wood
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
