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Headrest (work of art)

Artwork Info

Created
Old Kingdom, Dynasty 3 to 6, 2686 to 2181 BCE
Artist
Unknown Egyptian Artist
Dimensions
8 1/4 × 8 × 4 inches (21 × 20.3 × 10.2 centimeters)
Medium
Wood

Credit

Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Gerhard L. Weinberg

Object Number
26.2019
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Classification
Wood
Department
Ancient

About

Key Ideas

  • This wooden headrest would have been used as a pillow for sleeping.
  • In ancient Egypt wooden headrests were believed to offer a person magical protection while they slept. Headrests were often decorated with carved designs that provided protection to the user. 
  • An Egyptian headrest typically featured a wide, flat, sturdy base and a curved upper portion that was designed to cradle a person’s head.
  • Wooden headrests are still used in some parts of Africa. 

Learn More

Wooden headrests like this one were used as pillows in Pharaonic Egypt. The headrest supported a person’s head while they slept. The flat base of the headrest was wider than the upper portion. This shape helped it to remain stable. The top portion often had a curved piece that cradled the user’s head. Headrests were generally made from wood, stone, ceramic materials, or ivory. Ancient Egyptians believed that headrests offered magical protection at night. Headrests were often decorated with carved designs that protected the user. One of the most common engravings found on Egyptian headrests was Bes, a deity (god or goddess). Bes was believed to protect the home, mothers and children, and sleeping people. 

The ancient tradition of sleeping on a headrest continues today in parts of Africa, where the climate is hot. Wooden headrests help with pest control in areas where insects could infest organic pillow materials. Headrests are also used to protect elaborate hairstyles.

A replica of this headrest is on display in the ancient Egyptian galleries, to highlight the fact that Egypt is an African country. The original headrest is on display in the African arts galleries.

Additional Resources

Resources for Teachers: 

 

Resources for Students:

Images

  • A wooden headrest that is similar in shape to a capital letter I. Both ends of the upper portion curl upward, to cradle a person’s head while they sleep.

    Headrest