Angolan Neck Rests
Namibian
Headdresses from southern Angola are not constructed in a manner allowing
for easy removal, as they were assembled piece by piece into a persons hair.
For this reason an abundance of neck rests were utilized, to support the neck
and protect the coiffure while sleeping. Here follows an assortment of
neck rests from the region.
Ngambwe Headrest
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This is an eloquent bell shape Ngambwe neck rest with old patina.
The Ngambwe live nearby the Mwela.
Ndimba Headrest
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Ndimba are another sub group of the Mwela. This is an
excellent old example of bell form.
Headdresses worn by the Mwela
peoples of Southern
Angola
Mwela Headrest
Bell Form
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The Mwela live in Southern Angola into the central
highlands.
Mwela Neck Rest
Fat
Container - Southern Angola
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This is a small 'fat pot
/ headrest' collected from the Mwela in Angola. Fat pots were
used by most all Southern Angolan tribes. Fat processed from cattle
milk was mixed with red ochre, then stored in wooden containers. The
mix was applied to leather and wooden articles to ward
off destructive pests, as well as applied to a persons coiffure and
body. The 'ochre fat'
protected the individuals skin from insects and the sun, while the
persons
reddened appearance was admired.
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larger images.
Very few fat containers that double as
headrests are known. Once identified by Robert Vogel and his
'associate' Congolese-Portuguese runner Alex, old
headrests were cut down to make false lids, then "married" to authentic fat containers. This example predates
the mischief, confirmed by the large correctly sized outer ring on the
headdress section, making this object an extremely rare authentic
piece. It was sold to Gallery Ezakwantu by Robert Vogel, who we
suppose intended to clear his perceived bad name. That was not to
transpire. Check our
FAKE
page to learn more.
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