Gurage Wood Headrest, Ethiopia

A smooth, deeply curved rest with the glossy patience of a river pebble.

This carved wood headrest is Gurage, from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 19th century. Headrests were usually carved from a single piece of wood, with a curved top for the neck and a base or stem that gives stability. A compact block with a pronounced, wide U-shaped dip on top and a rounded foot. The surface is dark brown and polished by handling, with fine lines and a faint vertical seam on the left. The sides curve out slightly. It is 6.25 inches wide, 2.13 deep and 5.5 high.

A smooth curve, saving its stories for later.