Gurage Wood Headrest, Ethiopia

Thin cord of twine is tied around the foot, as if it needed supervision.

This carved wood headrest is Gurage, from Ethiopia, East Africa. In several African societies a headrest is a personal possession that can be kept for life, and in some places it is placed with its owner at death. This warm honey-brown form has a smooth, tall, flaring body on a low round foot. A twist of light cord is wound around the base. The wide, dark top dips in a deep crescent with sharp upturned tips. It is 6.5 inches wide, 4 deep and 6.25 high.

Tied up neatly, and entirely willing to behave.