Caryatid Headrest

Luba people, Shankadi style, DR Congo, c. 1900–10

Carved wood

Ex–old Belgian collection

5.5” h x 4” w (13.97 x 10.16 cm)

Price: $4,500

The Luba are known for their complex, highly stylized coiffures—the preservation of which was the primary purpose of their caryatid headrests. Headrests also figured in divination rites, a practice apparently deriving from Songye country (Maret, Dery, and Murdoch 1973).