Gurage Wood Headrest, Ethiopia

A man sleeps on his side, neck on wood, and his hair survives the night. That was the whole idea.

The Gurage of Ethiopia carved headrests for exactly this, to cradle the head and spare an elaborate hairstyle. They were often prized personal possessions. This one dates to the mid to late 19th century. A crescent top curves up at each end, with small incised details on the rims. Below, a single block narrows toward an oval foot, fine lines fanning across its sides.

Generations of handling have left a glossy patina, reddish-brown going to near-black. Six and a quarter inches tall. A pillow that outlasted every head.