This headrest from the Afar people of Ethiopia is carved from a single block of wood and features a slightly curved upper platform supported by a compact, stable base. Such headrests serve both functional and cultural roles. Practically, they protect elaborate hairstyles from being disturbed while sleeping and provide comfort in hot climates by allowing air circulation around the head and neck. Symbolically, they reflect status and identity, as owning a finely made headrest is associated with adulthood and personal dignity.
 
The Afar people, a Cushitic-speaking pastoral community living in Ethiopia’s Danakil Desert and surrounding regions, have a long tradition of mobile lifestyles shaped by the harsh climate. Their material culture is designed for portability and resilience, and objects like headrests reflect this balance of practicality and meaning.