Ethiopian Wood Headrest

Seven inches. Honey-colored. Made for a neck that was not about to give up its hairstyle.

This Ethiopian headrest, from the 20th century, supported the neck during sleep and preserved carefully styled hair. Such pieces were often decorated with care by their owners. The gently curved top is incised near each end with clusters of crosshatched diamonds. A tapered column joins it to a rounded, dome-shaped base. A dark twisted leather thong threads through the center.

The wood is softly polished from handling and use. Compact and well balanced. A fine bedside companion, or a bookshelf one.