Vintage Ethiopian Headrest - 19.1

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 a shelf, plinth, mantel or styling vignette.

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: approx 18cm H x 16cm W x 17cm L (each piece varies slightly)

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