Somali Wood Barshin or Headrest

A curved headrest balanced on two slender legs and a round little foot.

This barshin or headrest is Somali, from Ethiopia, East Africa. It is carved wood. A carved wooden headrest is usually cut from a single block and shaped with a curved top resting on a pillar or legs, and many also serve as small stools. Stand with a long, concave top that sweeps up at both ends. Two splayed, tapering legs rise from a circular base, and the surface is warm brown with darker, worn patches. It is 6 inches wide, 2.75 deep and 7 high.

Elegant on legs, and clearly built for lying low.