African Crafts Market

African Nkishi power statue headrest

Size: See below image for sizes

An African hand carved Nkishi power statue headrest that originates from Congo and has been carved from wood by a Songye artist. The Songye have carved some of the best carvings to come out of West Africa. Their style of African figures are generally male, with enlarged heads and hands resting often on distended abdomen. There is usually an impressive beard as well as a distinctive back swept hairdo finished off in the shape of a cross.

These beautiful African headrests are carved from a single piece of wood with a Songye figure sitting under the headrest. The headrest is used by a person as a pillow when sleeping. The owner of the headrest will have the headrest carved to fit his head size and will be the correct height for him/her when sleeping.

The African headrest allows the wearer to keep his/her head off the grown thus protecting the hair and hairstyle of that person. Although headrests are for personal use, they carry considerable importance in cultures in which the head is revered. A spiritual leader's head in particular must not be seen to touch the ground.

This Nkishi Power statue headrests are also known as Singiti and has all the features that are the large heavily lidded eyes, flat triangular nose, broad open mouths, large feet, and hands placed on the abdomen.

Each African Power statue headrest is an "original" work of art, individually handmade, no two are exactly alike which adds to the value of each piece. The original nature of tribal art will be reflected by variances from one power statue headrest as shown, each piece of a specific style is similar, but not identical.

We only have stock of one of each of the items below.