Neck rest with zoomorphic form. Probably Ngoni, Malawi (although described as Nguni, South Africa).Wood, small residues of dark brown patina, red glass beads (eyes), four conical-shaped legs supporting a slightly vaulted pillow with stylized head and tail, the body marked by a tapering abdomen with incised triangular ornaments and small diamond-shaped opening, slightly dam., scratches, paint rubbed off, small cavity (left foreleg); the neck rest belonged to Wilhelm Pohlig, a Sanitary Sergeant serving in the Guardian Forces of General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck in German East Africa. Wilhelm Pohlig's son, Helmut, was six years old, when the colony collapsed after several years of grim resistance. He and his mother were the last citizens of the empire who left the colony. The death of his father, who died of a severe malaria attack in a British Military Hospital, prevented them to leave the country in time. Just on personal intervention of General Lettow-Vorbeck a last ship was allowed to land and embark Helmut and his mother in the harbour of Dar es Salam. Neckrests served as pillows and preserved the elaborate and artificial coiffures during sleep.
Length: 36 cm; Height: 17 cm.
Estimate: 30,000 - 60,000 €
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