Vintage Ethiopian Headrest - 24.1

A hand-carved vintage headrest from the peoples of southern Ethiopia

Carved entirely by hand from dark indigenous wood, this headrest carries the marks of a working life. As much a sculptural object as a piece of history, it adds depth and soul to a styled interior.

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

This is an authentic, previously-used object, so small cracks, scratches and tonal variation in the wood are natural and expected. Every headrest is unique in form and finish.

Size: 18cm H x 16cm W x 7cm D (each piece varies slightly)

Styling: Display it on a shelf, mantel or plinth, or group several together for a gallery-like arrangement of forms.