A carved double headrest from the Songye people is a sculptural sleeping support traditionally used in the savanna regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This one showcases 4 stylized lizards and 2 figures.
These headrests elevated the head while sleeping, helping preserve elaborate hairstyles and protecting the sleeper from insects and ground moisture.
Songye headrests are typically carved from a single piece of wood and combine utility with symbolic carving. A double headrest features two opposing or mirrored supports beneath the curved head platform. In some examples, the supports are carved as stylized lizards, whose elongated bodies form the structural elements holding the headrest.
Lizards in Central African art often carry protective or regenerative symbolism. Because they can shed and regrow their tails, they are sometimes associated with renewal, resilience, and protection. Their presence on functional objects like headrests may have served as a subtle protective motif for the sleeper.
Among the Songye, carved objects—from small utilitarian pieces to powerful ritual figures—often reflect the same bold sculptural aesthetic: geometric forms, strong symmetry, and expressive stylization. Their carving tradition is closely related to that of neighboring groups such as the Luba people, and headrests appear in both cultures as personal prestige objects as well as everyday furniture.
The Songye, an ethnic group in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are renowned for their Kifwebe masks, significant artifacts crafted for the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe Secret Society. Songye art encompasses sculptures and figurines depicting humans or animals, sculpted from various materials like wood. Revered globally by collectors and art enthusiasts, Songye art holds a significant place in African culture, influencing Contemporary art movements worldwide.
