African Arts Gallery

Ex-Belgian collection of African tribal art African headrests come in an almost infinite variety: this type of African neckrest has a lustrous dark patina. This headrest was probably made by the Sidama or Gurage of southern and southwest Ethiopia. The latter are part of the eighty ethnic groups in Ethiopia having produced different neckrests for individual use called yagerteras, or "pillows of my country" or even "Boraati" ("tomorrow you") .
Erosions and desiccation cracks. Over time, the creation becoming more complex until they became true little masterpieces of sculpture, they also became individual objects of prestige and power, placed on family or collective altars. These objects were initially intended to protect the elaborate hairstyles of their owner (man or woman) during the night. But among the Turkana for example, it is the emblem of the tenderness of the fiancé for his bride, a pledge of union in the same way as an engagement ring.