This carved wooden headrest comes from the Afar people of northeastern Ethiopia, a region that extends into Djibouti and Eritrea. Designed with a curved support balanced on vertical legs, it served as a personal item used mainly by men to rest the head and preserve intricate hairstyles. Beyond its practical use, the headrest also functioned as a portable seat, symbol of status, and a protective object often kept close during sleep.
 
The Afar are pastoralist people whose way of life centers around cattle, camels, and goats in the harsh yet vital environment of the Danakil Depression. Their material culture reflects both mobility and resilience, with objects like headrests crafted to be durable, lightweight, and multifunctional. The geometric form of this piece speaks to Afar aesthetics, which balance function with symbolic design. Headrests such as this one connect daily practice with broader cultural values of continuity, identity, and adaptation in a demanding landscape.