Vintage Ethiopian Headrest - 23.3

A characterful vintage headrest, carved by hand in dark indigenous timber

A solid, hand-worked piece in richly grained dark wood, shaped for both function and form. Its sculptural silhouette and aged surface make it a quietly compelling display object.

The story behind it

Headrests like this are traditionally used across communities in southern Ethiopia to support the head in sleep without disturbing elaborate hairstyles — coiffures that can signal a person's age, gender and status, and are often adorned with ornaments of spiritual significance. Beyond everyday use, the headrest also carries ceremonial importance, including a role in marriage rituals.

Authentic & unique

Being a genuine vintage piece, expect honest signs of age — surface marks, small cracks and a worn patina — all of which speak to its authenticity. Each one is entirely individual.

Size: 15cm H x 19cm W x 6cm D (each piece varies slightly)

Styling: Equally at home on a coffee-table stack, a styled console or among a collection of objets — a real conversation piece.