This carved wooden headrest from the Dinka people of South Sudan features a wide, gently curved top supported by three legs, with distinctive hooked ends. This structural design balances both functionality and symbolic expression. The form allows the user to rest their head comfortably while preserving intricate hairstyles.
 
Among the Dinka, headrests are essential personal items used during rest and sleep. They serve to elevate the head and maintain the hair, while also reflecting individual identity and status. These objects often accompany individuals throughout their lives and are sometimes passed down through generations.
 
The Dinka are one of the largest ethnic groups in South Sudan, known for their pastoralist way of life centered on cattle herding. Livestock plays a central role in economic, social, and spiritual life. Objects like this headrest reflect a culture shaped by mobility, resilience, and close ties between material objects and daily living.