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ID #SA932042
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African Hardwood Tribal Head Rest, C1890
Sold by Curious Antiques
sold SA932042
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

Curious Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2015
Browse dealers 139 items
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Id #SA932042
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African Hardwood Tribal Head Rest, C1890

19th century
Sold 21 May 2025 · Curious Antiques
This “African Hardwood Tribal Head Rest, C1890” found a buyer.

It was listed by Curious Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

Lovely late 19th century African tribal headrest, c1890. Most probably from the Ethiopian Boni tribal area this is a fine hardwood example, well carved with clear signs on the underside of traditional hand carving. It has simple and very traditional decoration and would display well in a modern or traditional setting. The headrest is heavy at 2.5kg and the wood has taken on great colour/patina following many years of use. Overall condition is good in line with age and use, with very minor signs of wear/use. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me with any questions or if you would like to view the item.

Price includes FREE UK delivery please contact me regarding international shipping.

Size: 22cm tall x 40cm wide/long x 17cm deep, weight 2.5kg.

Date of Manufacture

Curious Antiques has dated this African Hardwood Headrest to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
40cm (15.75")
Depth
17cm (6.69")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA932042
Dealers Notes

Curious Antiques specialises in sourcing fine, rare and unusual antiques and curiosities. We are passionate about customer satisfaction and will do all we can to ensure you are happy and in the unlikely event you are not offer a no questions asked returns policy. We accept payment via paypal, bank transfer, cheque and cash.

Description
Lovely late 19th century African tribal headrest, c1890.
“
Most probably from the Ethiopian Boni tribal area this is a fine hardwood example, well carved with clear signs on the underside of traditional hand carving.
Curious Antiques

It has simple and very traditional decoration and would display well in a modern or traditional setting. The headrest is heavy at 2.5kg and the wood has taken on great colour/patina following many years of use. Overall condition is good in line with age and use, with very minor signs of wear/use. Please refer to the detailed photographs and feel free to contact me with any questions or if you would like to view the item.

Price includes FREE UK delivery please contact me regarding international shipping.

Size: 22cm tall x 40cm wide/long x 17cm deep, weight 2.5kg.

Date of Manufacture

Curious Antiques has dated this African Hardwood Headrest to the 19th Century.

Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
40cm (15.75")
Depth
17cm (6.69")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA932042
Curious Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Curious Antiques Profile Page

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An antique carved African hardwood headrest featuring a curved support resting on a geometric block base with a warm brown patina. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique carved African hardwood headrest featuring a curved support resting on a geometric block base with a warm brown patina. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

African Hardwood Tribal Head Rest, C1890

Archive II An antique carved African hardwood headrest featuring a curved support resting on a geometric block base with a warm brown patina. View II
Archive III An antique carved African hardwood headrest featuring a curved support resting on a geometric block base with a warm brown patina. View III
Archive IV An antique carved African hardwood headrest featuring a curved support resting on a geometric block base with a warm brown patina. View IV
Archive V An antique carved African hardwood headrest featuring a curved support resting on a geometric block base with a warm brown patina. View V
Archive VI An antique carved African hardwood headrest featuring a curved support resting on a geometric block base with a warm brown patina. View VI
Archive VII An antique carved African hardwood headrest featuring a curved support resting on a geometric block base with a warm brown patina. View VII
Enlarged Archival View

Curious Antiques
Telephone 07795 237 189
Location
Curious Antiques
Timeline Antiques Centre
Midland Road
North Walsham
Norfolk
NR28 9JR
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified Since Jun 2015
Items For Sale 139
Items Sold 374
Curious Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Curious Antiques, Timeline Antiques Centre, Midland Road, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9JR, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/curious
Verified
Jun 2015
For Sale
139
Sold
374
An antique carved African hardwood headrest featuring a curved support resting on a geometric block base with a warm brown patina.
African Hardwood Tribal Head Rest, c1890
Ref: SA932042
An antique carved African hardwood headrest featuring a curved support resting on a geometric block base with a warm brown patina.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Carvings
  • Period19th century
  • StyleTribal
  • MaterialAfrican Hardwood
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsCurved support platform, Geometric incisions, Rectangular block base
  • SizeH 22 cm (9 in) x W 40 cm (16 in) x D 17 cm (7 in)

FAQs

African headrests, traditionally carved from wood, served primarily as practical sleeping supports to protect elaborate hairstyles during sleep, while also functioning as status symbols or personal items often buried with their owners.

These items were typically hand-carved from dense local hardwoods using traditional adzes and chisels, often finished with natural oils or patinas developed through handling and age.

Authenticity is determined by evaluating tool marks, wood shrinkage, native wear patterns, and the depth of the patina, which should show consistent oxidation from years of use rather than artificial distress.

Displaying the piece on a minimalist plinth, bookshelf, or coffee table allows its sculptural form and rich timber texture to stand out as a focal point in a curated room.

Preservation requires maintaining stable indoor humidity levels, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent timber cracking, and dusting gently with a dry, soft cloth without applying chemical polishes.
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