Dinka Wood Headrest Central Africa

The stools and headrests, known as "thoch," are essential items in Dinka society, serving as both headrests and seats for elderly men and women. They also play a role in protecting intricate hairstyles. In Dinka culture, these headrests are highly personal, believed to house the soul of their owner. Similar stools or headrests are associated with the neighboring Bongo people. The Dinka, a herder Nilotic group in the Nile Basin, lead a nomadic lifestyle, moving with the seasons in search of water and grazing land. Despite being the largest ethnic group in central Africa, their historical background remains unclear. Known for their warrior spirit, the Dinka successfully defended against the Ottoman centuries ago, instilling the value of bravery in their youth through initiation rituals. Today, they practice cattle herding and agriculture. While little is known about their art, Dinka personal adornments are noteworthy. The nomadic lifestyle is reflected in their art production, particularly in small and portable objects like stools and headrests. Carved from a single piece of yellowish-brown wood, these items feature various forms, sometimes adorned with zoomorphic motifs such as birds, antelope, and giraffes.

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