Saddle-Top Headrest

Headrests with a flared plank support, curvaceous saddles with semi-cicular cutouts, and a bell-shaped foot are archetypal headrests of the lower Omo River Valley of Ethiopia. Field images show these headrests in the hands of Hamar, Banna, Kara, and Arbore men. Other photos show the same style of headrest arranged in large groups, apparently unused, and laid out in rows on the ground at what appears to be an open air market in southern Ethiopia. These images suggest that carvers — quite possibly from yet a different ethnic group or artisanal caste, but in any event a specialist — make headrests on spec to sell or trade in market towns frequented by various pastoral groups. Once acquired, owners (generally initiated men) may rub their headrests with butter and fat and often incise them with distinctive linear designs. It is said that older men do not decorate their headrests. Once the owner is deceased his headrest is not used again; instead, it is broken and laid on his grave. $375

7″

Inquire About This Item