This finely carved wooden headrest comes from the Gurage people of central Ethiopia, where headrests serve as both utilitarian and symbolic objects. Used to support the head during rest, these pieces helped preserve elaborate hairstyles while also functioning as personal items that accompanied their owners throughout life. The clean, sculptural form of this example reflects the Gurage tradition of combining functionality with refined design, a sensibility that can also be seen in their decorated houses, weaving, and everyday tools.
 
The Gurage are well known for their agricultural innovations, especially the cultivation of enset (false banana), which has been a staple crop sustaining their communities for centuries. They also have vibrant traditions of music, dance, and oral poetry that are integral to Ethiopian cultural life. Headrests such as this one provide a glimpse into how artistry and daily living are deeply intertwined within Gurage society, expressing both personal identity and broader cultural values.