Kara Headrest

The Kara, Kaara or Karo are the smallest ethnic enclave in Ethiopia. Identifying headrests from the southwestern region of Ethiopia is challenging, as similar to identical forms are shared by various groups. Branch-style headrests are particularly difficult to conclusively attribute to any particular group, as the carving may be minimal. This large, low and curvaceous example was collected in early 1970s in Africa by the late American safari outfitter David Light, Nairobi. In addition to this sleek specimen, Light’s collection of headrests included examples from the Karamojong, Turkana, Pokot and Rendille ethnic groups. Light did not leave us with any field notes. In addition to field collecting, he also bought from itinerant dealers and gallerists in Nairobi and Addis Ababa. The form of this example aligns with one identified as Kaara in Odilon Audouin’s Appuis-Nuque de la Corne de l’Afrique (Headrests from the Horn of Africa). Distinctive features of this headrest are its well-formed, flat-topped, elongated ovoid saddle and the straight, well-defined ridge along the seat’s belly. $450

5″ H

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