Gurage Wood Headrest, Ethiopia

Stout pedestal and a broad oval foot support a gently dished top, like a very small hat.

This carved wood headrest is Gurage, from Ethiopia, East Africa. Headrests are made across many parts of Africa and are generally used in place of a pillow, raising the head so that hairstyles stay in place during sleep. This carved piece has a square-ish stem rising from a wide, flat, oval base to a long, curved top that dips softly in the middle. The surface is a glossy dark red-brown with a smooth, hand-rubbed look.

Neat, sturdy, and polished by an unhurried hand.