Somali Wood Barshin or Headrest

The crescent is worn glossy at the top, and the base looks sat upon by time.

This barshin or headrest is Somali, from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the mid to late 19th century. It is carved wood. Headrests of this form are common across the Horn of Africa, where they generally keep the head raised during sleep and spare an elaborate coiffure. A broad, shallow curve sits on two long legs that taper toward the base, which is an oval block cut with horizontal bands. The wood is a honey tan, with darker patches at the base and bright rubbing along the edges. It is 6 inches wide and 7 high.

Elegant, upright and not at all soft.