Oromo Wood Headrest, Ethiopia

A darker cousin, with banding on the foot and a carved edge on the top.

Oromo people of Ethiopia, East Africa, made this headrest in wood in the late 19th century. Headrests of this type are commonly used to support the neck and to protect hairstyles. The curved top is finished with small incised notches along the edge. A cylindrical stem leads down to a banded, flared foot, with ridges that give it a turned look. The wood is deep reddish brown and glossy, with darker patches at the base.

About 5 inches tall and 6 inches wide. Compact, polished and well mannered.