Boni Headrests, Somalia

BONI HEADRESTS, SOMALIA

All of the Boni headrests have been sold and are left here for educational and research purposes.

BONI
Headrest 1
7.25" high
SOLD

BONI
Headrest 2
6.75" high
SOLD

BONI
Headrest 3
7.25" high
SOLD

Photographs © Tim Hamill

BONI or SOMALI, HEADRESTS, Somalia

These headrests have been vetted as being authentic with significant signs of use and age.

Men in East Africa use headrests both as pillows and as indicators of status.

The patterns on Somali and Boni headrests probably reflect the Islamic influence in the region. Some scholars interpret the patterns and iconography as a "form of shorthand for a prayer," to ensure Allah's protection of the sleeper.

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