20th Century African Wood Stand

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A short, stylized wood headrest made by the Dinka people of Central Africa. Could be used as a small plant … Read more A short, stylized wood headrest made by the Dinka people of Central Africa. Could be used as a small plant stand or just as decor.

The Dinka inhabit the vast savanna of southern central Africa. Although the Dinka are the largest ethnic group in central Africa, their historical background remains obscure. As far as we know, the Dinka settled in the area around 1800 and often have been often in conflict with their neighboring peoples. Today, Dinka people raise cattle and practice agriculture. Dinka headrests or neck rests are carved from a single piece of yellowish-brown wood and consist of three to four-legged stable feet, sometimes carved separately from one another. In most cases, the piece is made from one single piece of wood. Some have zoomorphic motifs which include birds, antelope, and giraffes. See less