Gurage Wood Headrest, Ethiopia

Fat rolled foot supports a smooth, flaring column topped by a crescent curve.

This carved wood headrest is Gurage, from Ethiopia, East Africa. Headrests are made across many parts of Africa and are generally used in place of a pillow, raising the head so that hairstyles stay in place during sleep. This form tapers narrow near the base before flaring broadly into a crescent-shaped top with blunt, raised ends. The color is warm reddish-brown with a darker, almost black dished surface and a soft lustre. It is 6.5 inches wide, 3.75 deep and 6.25 high.

Rounded, comfortable-looking, and finished with care.