This finely carved headrest, known as a Jile (or Jilee), comes from the Jile Oromo people of central Ethiopia. Like other East African headrests, it served a practical role as a portable pillow, elevating the head during rest to preserve elaborate hairstyles and provide comfort in hot climates by allowing air to circulate. Its tall, narrow body with an openwork design reflects both utility and aesthetic refinement, ensuring stability while remaining lightweight enough to carry during daily life or travel.
 
The Jile Oromo are a subgroup of the larger Oromo people, Ethiopia’s most populous ethnic group. Living primarily in the Oromia region, the Jile have historically been semi-pastoral, with strong traditions tied to cattle herding, social organization, and craftsmanship. Headrests like this were essential personal belongings, often accompanying an individual throughout their life. Beyond functionality, they also carried cultural meaning, symbolizing adulthood and identity, as they were commonly used by men once they came of age.
 
Today, Jile headrests stand as enduring artifacts of Oromo material culture, offering insight into how art, daily function, and social customs intertwined in Ethiopia’s diverse communities.