Ethiopian Gurage Headrest from hotsell the Gurage Tribe

Wooden Ethiopian headrest carved from a single block of hotsell endemic hardwood used to elevate and protect elaborate hairstyles during the night. The saddle is often a dark color owing to the butter used to soften women's hair. This is a museum-grade piece from the Gurage tribe. It shows much use over time, has a well-impregnated saddle, and projects an image of raw tribal life.
"Tirase" are important objects, often carried around and used to sit on during the day, (mostly by men). Circa 1950.

Cracks, chips, dings, and discolouration.

This item is part of my private collection, acquired in mid-2008 in Western Ethiopia.
Dimensions are: H 6 3/4" X W 5 1/2" X D 3 1/2" - H 17.2 cm X W 14 cm X D 8.9 cm
Weight: 2 Lbs - 0.9 Kg