Vintage Ethiopian Headrest - 23.7

A genuine southern Ethiopian headrest — functional art with real history

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

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: 13cm H x 14cm W x 11cm 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.