TERRACOTTA HEADREST
[1-3,11]: TERRACOTTA HEADREST
[4]: A different yet very similar ceramic headrest with only one “face” also from the Calabar people
[5]: A drawing of nsibidi motifs from the Cross River region
[6]: A different yet similar headrest and pot showing the Calabar people’s continuation of a strong design language
[7,8]: A ceramic Calabar bottle also showing the same concentric motif (likely nsibidi)
[9,10]: A journal article showing the connection of two Calabar creative practices: nsibidi motifs and ceramicsFrom: Calabar culture, Cross River region, Nigeria 🇳🇬 Source [1-3,11]: Taken at @nationalmuseumlagos
Source [4]: @duendeartprojects on @galleryviewer
Source [5,6]: @ukpuru
Source [7,8]: “First Art: Historic African Ceramics” by Douglas Dawson, Page 4. Viewed on @internetarchive
Source [9,10]: “Early Ceramics from Calabar, Nigeria: Towards a History of Nsibidi” by Christopher Slogar, in African Arts. Volume 40, Issue 1. Spring 2007. Viewed on @mitpress direct
Source notes [4]:
“While wooden headrests are very well known across many African cultures, these examples are the only known made from terracotta. The head or neck of the owner would be positioned on the rest when sleeping to alleviate it from the ground and protect a complex coiffure. This headrest is finely engraved with geometric motifs throughout. One side is decorated with a large spiral-like motif, while the other side features a large circular opening underneath two holes giving the whole an anthropomorphic appeal. The function of the opening remains a mystery, perhaps the headrest was also a container to store personal trinkets or hold sleep-enhancing herbs or other substances. In addition to such headrests, several other types of objects have been discovered such as platters, bowls, and stylized anthropomorphic figures, always in a distinctive light-brown clay”.Source notes [5]:
“Nsibidi signs recorded by Sylvester Ogbeche, 1997. Ink on paper.”
Source notes [6]:
“Terracotta pot and headrest from around the 12th century found in Calabar. Photo: Arkhade”
Source notes [7,8]:
“Bottle. Calabar region, Nigeria. 8th-14th century. 9” x 8”.”
Source notes [9,10]:
“The Calabar ceramics, incorporating such a great variety of discrete motifs-including arcs, arrows, chevrons, concentric circles, crosses, lozenges, spirals, and stars-evidence an iconography readily comparable to nsibidi.”Observations: continuation of a design language. (possible) anthropomorphism, ergonomics, material awareness, material intelligence, (possible) multi-function, strong visual feature also invites intuitive handling (holes), storytelling
