Source [1-3]: @nowayzoway’s personal object, 3D scanned and animated by @dintho.objects
Source [4]: @bowersmuseum (collections.bowers.org/objects/146523/headrest)
Source [5]: @bacaraworldof (worldofbacara.com/listing/870344043/african-headrest-ethiopian-gurage-mens)
Source [6]: @palmermuseumofart (exhibitions.psu.edu/s/african-brilliance/item/3364)
Source notes [4]:
“Headrest. Oromo. 20th Century. Wood. 7 × 6 5/8 × 4 11/16 in. (17.8 × 16.8 × 11.9 cm). Rather than being imbued with rich spiritual importance, the headrests of many eastern African countries were instead utilitarian. The conical wooden headrests of the Oromo of Ethiopia were used to elevate one’s head when sleeping, thus protecting one’s hairstyle which was a symbol of status. This type of headrest was used by men. As the introduction of headrests in Ethiopia some 300 years ago, it was the furthest south country in Africa to use the wood lathe, and the distinctive rivets of its manufacturing process can be seen here. Interestingly, a number of Ethiopian headrest designs share similarities with headrests made by Egyptians up to 4500 years ago.”
Source notes [5]:
“This is a Beautiful African Carved Wooden Headrest from the Gurage people of Ethiopia.This headrest is carved out of a single piece of wood. Among these people headrests and stools play a vital role among men. Headrests are used as pillows to help someone to have good deep sleep, as well as a comfort to help protect ceremonial coiffure and a stool to sit on. 6.5 Inches Tall. 6.5 Inches Long. 2 Inches Wide”
Source notes [6]:
“Fuga carver, Menjiye Tabeta. Photo by Ray Silverman. Fuga carver, Menjiye Tabeta, who makes things such as combs and headrests for Gurage people.”
