African Tribal Art

Kambatta Headrest, Ethiopia

Culture: Kambatta
Origin: Ethiopia
Period: 20th century
Object: Headrest
Materials: Wood
Dimensions: 19 × 16 cm
Catalogue: TRB-063

A carved wood neck or headrest with a well-worn surface suggesting field use. The Kambatta live west of the Gurage, along the banks of the upper Omo River. Headrests of this kind were used by Ethiopian men for sleeping, keeping their elaborate coiffures off the ground.

Provenance

The Evan Maurer collection, California.

Acquired

TRIBAL GATHERINGS · 2022