This Kenyan head ring is made from banana leaves. Rings are woven, made of straw, banana leaves or other similar materials and are sometimes covered with fabric. They are available in various sizes, some to fit a child’s head. There is evidence that head rings rather like this one have been used since Egyptian times as remnants of basketwork rings have been found in Egyptian excavations.

In many rural areas, particularly in India and some countries in Africa, carrying objects on your head - water pots, baskets and other, sometimes very heavy, items -  is often the most efficient way of transporting goods as there may not be access to transport.  To prevent spilling or items falling off, the carrier (most often a woman) needs an upright posture and strength. Head rings can help by providing a stable basis for round bottomed pots or baskets.

Many British children will be familiar with this object from the children’s book by Eileen Browne, Handa’s surprise, which is set in Kenya.  Handa uses a basket set on a head ring to carry fruit from her village to her friend in the neighbouring village.