Early 20th Century Dinka Stool Headrest

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The Dinka people (Dinka: Jiɛ̈ɛ̈ŋ) are a Nilotic ethnic group indigenous to South Sudan. They primarily inhabit the Nile River … Read more The Dinka people (Dinka: Jiɛ̈ɛ̈ŋ) are a Nilotic ethnic group indigenous to South Sudan. They primarily inhabit the Nile River basin, stretching from Mangalla through Bor to Renk, as well as the regions of Bahr el Ghazal and Upper Nile, and the Abyei area traditionally associated with the Ngok Dinka.
These stools and headrests are known as thoch (stool) and are used as headrests and seats by both old men and women. They are also used to protect elaborate coiffures. In the Dinka society and neighboring peoples, headrests like this are very personal. They are believed to house the soul of the owner. In some sources, similar stools or headrests have been attributed to the Bongo people living in the Dinka and Bari neighborhoods. 
The Dinka nomadic lifestyle is reflected in their art. In fact, the Dinka have excelled in the production of small objects, easy to carry. Stools and headrests are among these precious objects. Dinka headrests or neck rests are carved from a single piece of yellowish-brown wood and consist of three to four-legged stable legs, sometimes carved separately from one another. In most cases like here, the all piece is made from one single piece of wood. The upper level parts have various forms and are usually narrow, curved with rounded corners, slightly concave along their length, and convex across their width, with a convex underside. Some have zoomorphic motifs which include birds, antelopes, and giraffes.As far as we know, the Dinka settled in the area around 1800 and have often been in conflict with their neighboring peoples, such as the Atuot. Their reputation as redoubtable warriors comes from their successful defense against the Ottomans centuries ago. Being a Valiant warrior is an important value that the Dinka transmits to the youth. This value is taught through the initiation of young boys. At the end of the initiation, the boys are presented with a spear, a club, and a shield, the equipment of a warrior. The lifestyle of the Dinka is that of nomads and herders. Today Dinka people raise cattle and practice agriculture. Little is known about their art. However, Dinka's personal and body adornments are among the most astonishing on the continent.

Height (In): 8.5
Width (In): 12.0
Depth (In): 5.5


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