Headrest

Place CreatedEgypt, Africa

CultureEgyptian

PeriodNew Kingdom

Date1539-1292 BCE

MediumWood

Credit LineGift of the Georges Ricard Foundation

Dimensions3 3/8 x 6 15/16 x 3 1/16 in., 186 g (8.5 x 17.6 x 7.7 cm, 6 9/16 oz.)

Object number2018.010.122

Label TextHeadrests were the ancient Egyptian equivalent of a pillow. They supported the head and neck while sleeping. They also allowed air to flow under the head to cool the sleeper. The ancient Egyptians were buried with headrests for use in the next life. Headrests such as this are found throughout Africa.
Exhibition HistoryLife and the Afterlife: Ancient Egyptian Art from the Senusret Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 4 - August 6, 2023
Published ReferencesMelinda K. Hartwig, ed. Life and the Afterlife: Ancient Egyptian Art from the Senusret Collection (Atlanta: Michael C. Carlos Museum, 2023), catalogue entry 4.

ProvenancePurchased by Georges Ricard (1921-2012) from Jean-François Mignon, Aix-en Provence, France, June 29, 1974. Ex coll. Musée de l'Égypte et le Monde Antique, Collection Sanousrit, Monaco, 1975-1982. Ex coll. Georges Ricard Foundation, Santa Barbara, California.

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