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Categories for the Description of Works of Art


Back to Cataloging Examples

African headrest

Object/Work Catalog Level: item
Type: headrest  
Controlled list
Authority
Classification Terms:
          decorative arts
          furniture
          African art
Controlled list
Titles or Names Text: Headrest in the Shape of an Elephant
    Preference: preferred
    Type: repository
Free text
Controlled list
Creation Creator Description: unknown Tsonga Free text
  Identity: unknown Tsonga
Role: carver
Authority
Authority
  Creation Date: ca. 1890
Earliest: 1885 Latest: 1895
Free text
Controlled format
  Creation Place/Original Location: Mozambique (Southern Africa) Authority
Style/Period/ Group/Movement Indexing Term: Tsonga Authority
Measurements Dimensions Description: 14.6 x 53.7 x 8.3 cm (5 3/4 x 21 1/8 x 3 1/4 inches) Free text
  Value: 14.6 Unit: cm Type: height
Value: 53.7 Unit: cm Type: width
Value: 8.3 Unit: cm Type: depth
Controlled list and controlled format
Materials and Techniques Description: carved wood Free text
  Material Name:  wood
Technique Name:  carving
Authority
Subject Matter Indexing terms:
         object (utilitarian)
         animal
         sleeping headrest
         elephant
Authority
Descriptive Note Text: This headrest incorporating the figure of an elephant is unusual in both its representation and large size. It derives from a Tsonga aesthetic tradition of carving headrests with animal figures. Widely used by Tsonga cattle herders before the turn of the century, headrests were typically portable and functional personal objects meant to protect elaborate hairstyles. However, the size of this headrest, the expression on the elephant's face, and the lack of signs of use suggest it might have been produced for sale to Europeans. Free text
  Citation: National Museum of African Art online Page: accessed 24 July 2005 Authority Free text
Current Location Repository Name/Geographic Location: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC, United States) Repository Number: 91-14-1 Authority   Free text
Revised 28 August 2006