Neckrest, Tonga

The Tonga neckrest is a functional and ceremonial object created by craftspeople of the Tonga people of Zambia and Zimbabwe, used to protect elaborate hairstyles during sleep and as a symbol of status and identity. These carved wooden objects are distinguished by their elegant crescent-shaped forms, often supported by a central column or figural element, and reflect a rich tradition of utilitarian artistry passed down through generations. They are highly sought after by collectors of African tribal art and have appeared regularly in major ethnographic and tribal art auctions worldwide.