Two arches, at right angles to one another, one facing upwards and the other downwards, join at their narrowest points to create a dynamic, inter-linked structure to support a curved upper platform. The lower arch is deeply grooved, adding to the visual complexity of the headrest. Its dramatically long lugs curve downward and are joined to the circular base.

Consequently, the base of the headrest feels unusually contained, clamped as it is between the ends of the downward arch and the flared lugs which are ‘attached’ to the base by rectangles of wood left in place during the carving process. The lugs are richly embellished, each divided into three zones – a plain central section is flanked by the two outer sections, carved in a diamond and v-shaped, coffered grid design.

The concave sleeping platform has a visual weight and seems to form a continuous surface with the two lugs that are ‘draped’ over the upturned arc. The headrest is unusually compact and the complex component forms seem to be in a state of tension.

An almost identical headrest appears on p 206 of Africa Art of a Continent and is said to be ‘Probably Tsonga-related group, South Africa.’ The difference lies in the decoration on the extended lugs and the rectangles below, which, on this example, are covered in an overall pattern.