Turkana Wood Headrest, Kenya

A Turkana man took his headrest everywhere. Stool by day, pillow at night.

This one was carved from a single piece of wood in Kenya in the 20th century. The pillow function protected elaborate hairstyles. The gently curved top rests on a flat central column, rising from a domed foot. A braided leather strap loops from the underside of the top to the base, so it could be carried by hand.

The wood is warm honey-brown, darkened and polished by use, with small cracks and nicks along the edges. Eight inches wide. Sit on it, or sleep on it, or simply admire it. It has done all three.