Gurage Wood Headrest, Ethiopia

Low, long bench of a thing, on three splayed legs, like a pony caught mid-stride.

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. Dark, elongated top with a shallow dip and a raised end rests on three angled, stick-like legs. The surface is a smoky, nearly black brown, while the legs show a lighter, rougher tone and visible wear.

Casually built, tilted, and carrying itself like it meant to.