Ethiopian Headrest
Headrest from central Ethiopia, Arsi or Kambaata people. Headrests were (and are) used all over sub-Saharan Africa to keep the sleeper's head elevated above the ground — and to protect one's hairstyle, which can take a long time to put together! (See image of a Turkana man using a headrest while napping.) Headrests often had a spiritual element as well, guiding dreams, and protecting the sleeper from malevolent spirits. As such, they were prized personal possessions, carefully crafted, and used for many years. Headrests are fascinating cultural objects that come in an infinite variety of forms, making them very rewarding to collect.
Headrest from central Ethiopia, Arsi or Kambaata people. Headrests were (and are) used all over sub-Saharan Africa to keep the sleeper's head elevated above the ground — and to protect one's hairstyle, which can take a long time to put together! (See image of a Turkana man using a headrest while napping.) Headrests often had a spiritual element as well, guiding dreams, and protecting the sleeper from malevolent spirits. As such, they were prized personal possessions, carefully crafted, and used for many years. Headrests are fascinating cultural objects that come in an infinite variety of forms, making them very rewarding to collect.
Headrest from central Ethiopia, Arsi or Kambaata people. Headrests were (and are) used all over sub-Saharan Africa to keep the sleeper's head elevated above the ground — and to protect one's hairstyle, which can take a long time to put together! (See image of a Turkana man using a headrest while napping.) Headrests often had a spiritual element as well, guiding dreams, and protecting the sleeper from malevolent spirits. As such, they were prized personal possessions, carefully crafted, and used for many years. Headrests are fascinating cultural objects that come in an infinite variety of forms, making them very rewarding to collect.