Ethiopian and African Headrests
Headrests have been used in Ethiopia for generations either to protect elaborate hairdos or to keep the sleeper’s head off the ground and away from bugs and insects. Some headrests double as a portable stool and in many areas where headrests are popular, a man never leaves his compound without his headrest.
Ethiopian headrest styles vary from region to region and are usually made by the owners or a local artisan. Some headrests have elaborate carved decorations while others are remarkably simple and graceful. It is also interesting to note that one of the most graceful of all designs, the large Somali head rest, is remarkably similar in shape and design to a wooden headrest from the ancient Egyptian headrest from 6th Dynasty or later (c. 2323-2159 BC).
St George has a variety of antique Ethiopian and African headrests and their simple beauty make them great decorative objects for books shelves, corner tables, or sideboards.
“St George Gallery pieces are already found all over the world in homes and private collections.” – The Addis Tribune
