Dream machines

Headrests were historically made to hold up the head and to preserve hairstyles while sleeping. They were a means to connect the sleeper with their ancestors who are believed to send the dreams. Amongst the Shona people, headrests were used by men, and passed down from father to son or another male heir By connecting the dreamer with his ancestors, headrests are seen as a tool for knowledge and success. They are also used by diviners to communicate with ancestral spirits, when asking for help in the physical world.

Look carefully at the headrests above, then write down your answers to the questions on the facing page in the space provided:

Glossary

An heir is someone who is entitled to another person’s wealth and rank upon that person’s death. Heirs are usually family members of the deceased.