Nyangatom Headrest

A gorgeous dark headrest with leather detailing. Hand carved from a single piece of wood coming from the Nyangatom people of the Omo Valley in Ethiopia.  
 
Historically headrests date back to ancient times and in East Africa they are used by pastoral nomadic people. They are considered to be one of the most important of their few possessions that they travelled with. Whilst used primarily to rest their heads upon whilst sleeping, protecting them from dust and insects as well as preserving elaborate coiffures. They also have spiritual powers which evoke dreams. They were extremely personal to the owner, never lent to others and highly prized.