Headrest - Wood

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It is a headrest, or neck support, made of carved wood, probably originating from the Omo Valley region in Ethiopia.
These objects are traditionally used by nomadic and pastoral populations, such as the Me'en, Borana, Sidamo, or Ethiopian Somali, primarily by adult men.
Their main function is to protect elaborate hairstyles during sleep and prevent direct contact with the ground.
They are considered strictly personal objects that indicate the social status and ethnic identity of the owner.
The design, with a double overlapping cone and an arched plane, is typical of a type in use until the mid-20th century.
Engraved decorations serve an aesthetic and symbolic function, often evoking protection and the continuity of bloodlines.