Ethiopian Leather Headrest

Plainly, a crinkled black pouch with little ear-like loops, leaning slightly to one side.

This leather headrest is from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 19th century. Leather has long been worked in the Horn of Africa, where hides from cattle and goats are cured and shaped into bags, mats, sandals and household goods. Placed center frame, a squat, glossy dark brown pouch with a creased, hand-formed surface and a gently peaked outline. Two flat loops project from the upper corners like ears. A few small holes and stitches show along the lower edge. It is 10 inches wide, 4.5 deep and 4.5 high.

Wrinkled, well-handled and totally unconcerned about it.