Ethiopian Wood Headrest

Patiently, a dark round-topped stool with a funnel bowl perched on top.

This carved wooden headrest is from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood. Headrests were often made from a single piece of wood, and their forms range from simple curved bars to pieces with pierced or geometric supports. Taken whole, a black-brown stand with three thick, straight legs set between a round base disc and a round upper platform. A small twisted cord of reddish brown loops around the base. The surface is smooth and dully polished. It is 6.25 inches high and 4 in diameter.

Sturdy, glum-looking and not at all troubled by it.