Antique African Ethiopian Kambata Or Arussi Tribe Wood Headrest Ethiopia, Africa

Description

This is an antique handmade wood African Ethiopian Kambata or Arussi tribal people of Ethiopia headrest which was tribally hand carved from a single piece of wood. This African headrest was made and used by either the Kambata or Arussi people and was collected in Ethiopia. African tribal people have always used their
intricate
hairstyles to proudly
serve as the visual representation of their wearer’s social status, age, rank, and gender
. The elaborate tribal hairstyles
which can take many hours to create
are often embellished with beads, shells, butter and colored pigments. Most tribal hairstyles therefore require the use of a headrest which was used primarily to support the neck in order to protect and preserve the hours of labor intense hair styling as the head could not be directly laid upon during sleep and rest. Using the headrest helped to preserve the hairstyles for up to three months. Headrests were brought with the owner everywhere they went so they could be used whenever required and in the case of men were often worn on their belt.
This African headrest measures 5.90 inches across the top by 6 inches tall. Good condition but this headrest does have some wear from tribal use including a few nicks on the wood.This specimen is very desirable and would make a fine addition to any African collection. I combine shipping on multiple items so be sure to check out my ebay store where I have thousands of items to browse.