Gurage Wood Headrest, Ethiopia

Waisted like a vase, flaring into a long arc, with a thick foot to anchor it.

This carved wood headrest is Gurage, from Ethiopia, East Africa. Wooden headrests are cut from a single block or assembled from joined parts, and the worn, polished surface of an older example often reflects years of handling. The carved form widens from a plain disc foot into a gently concave, sweeping top with upturned ends. The surface is dark brown with an orange cast, mottled with dark patches and glossy on the high spots. A small crack crosses the foot. It is 7 inches wide, 4 deep and 6.5 high.

Weighty and graceful, with some character in the grain.