Headrest

ClassificationsFurnishings-Furniture-headrests

Culture Arsi Oromo

Culture Oromo

Date20th Century

Made AtEthiopia, Africa

MediumWood

Dimensions6 1/2 × 7 1/4 × 2 3/8 in. (16.5 × 18.4 × 6 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2017.11.43

DescriptionRather than being imbued with rich spiritual importance, the headrests of many eastern African countries were instead utilitarian. This wooden headrest of the Arsi subgroup of the Oromo of Ethiopia was used to elevate one’s head when sleeping, thus protecting one’s hairstyle which was a symbol of status. Though little art from north eastern Africa is figurative due to Islamic influence, this headrest may be the stylization of a butterfly or bird.

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