Vintage Ethiopian Headrest - 146.1

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

A genuine, one-of-a-kind piece carved from a single block of dark hardwood and worn to a soft patina by age and use. Equal parts sculpture and cultural artefact, it brings warmth, history and quiet drama to any space.

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

As a vintage, hand-made object, natural marks, scratches and fine cracks in the wood are to be expected — they are part of its history and add to its character. No two are alike, so yours will have its own grain, profile and markings.

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

Styling: Beautiful as a standalone sculptural object, or layered among books, ceramics and plants for a collected, biophilic look.