African Neck Rest (Barkin). From Somalia. Early to Mid 20th Century

African Neck Rest (Barkin). Made of wood. From Somalia. Early to Mid 20th Century

Barkin is the traditional Somali neck rest, carved from a single piece of hagar wood. The two curved pillars indicate the owner's high status; single-pillar versions were reserved for younger men. The exterior of the pillars is richly decorated with dense, intricately carved lace and spiral patterns, which researchers interpret as Islamic prayer symbolism; a visual prayer for protection over the sleeping person. The deliberately small base makes the neck rest unstable, so the owner does not fall into deep sleep. A practical feature for nomads who had to keep watch at night. The neck rest is thus a symbol of vigilance.

Provenance: Handed down from the collection of a Danish nurse, who from approximately 1947–60 was part of the UN's vaccination program in Africa and Asia. In connection with this, she acquired these neck rests.

Dimensions: approx. 17,6x17,1x8 cm. Condition: see pictures.