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Headrest in the form of a buffalo
Object Number 29-43-50/B4746
Display Title Headrest in the form of a buffalo
Descriptions
Object Description Carved wooden headrest with internal medicine box and lid. The object is carved from a single block of dense hardwood which has been stained a dark brown.The headrest is zoomorphic with stylized shape of a water buffalo. The "belly" is hollowed out to contain medicine, the compartment being covered by a lid carved/cut into the flat back. There are two screw holes to allow the lid to be secured in place. The legs of the headrest are also stylized "A" shapes, corrugated on outer surface.
Inventory Description Wood animal figurine (bull?) box, headrest, features in relief, brown pigment
Classification
  • Box
Department Ethnographic
Culture
  • Zulu
  • Bantu speaking peoples
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Africa / South Africa
Materials Wood, Pigment
Dimensions Overall: 12.9 x 57.2 x 8.4 cm (5 1/16 x 22 1/2 x 3 5/16 in.)
Quantity 1
Label on object 29-43-50/B4746; 95-54
Credit Line Gift of Benjamin S. Pray in memory of his father James S. Pray, 1929
Provenance
Collector James Sturgis Pray
Donor Benjamin S. Pray (1929)

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