Egyptian Headrest

Culture: Egyptian

Period: 20th dynasty, 1186-1076/70 B.C.

Material: Wood

Dimensions: 18.5 cm x 21 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 1072

Provenance: Private collection Horatio and Patsy Melas, Alexandria, Egypt, afterwards in Switzerland. Acquired before 1967.

Condition: An ancient chip on the head part, otherwise intact.

Description: Headrest consisting of three separately worked pieces. The semi-circular upper part was placed right above the ears under the head. The support below should determine the desired height. This guarantees not only for a relatively comfortable sleeping position, but also for air circulation around the head which was an additional advantage in Egypt's warm climate. To create more comfort pieces like this one were probably covered with linen cushions.