Kambatta Headrest Ethiopia

Ethiopian headrests come in various forms. They are ranged from simple to elaborately carved artifacts. They have abstract shapes, and nice lines, and are sometimes decorated with sophisticated geometric patterns. Their styles are similar to those found among the other nomadic people of Uganda and Kenya, particularly among the Dinka, Maasai, Karamajong, Rendille, Turkana, and Pokot. Ethiopian headrests mostly come from peoples such as the Somali, Gurage, Kambatta, Sidamo, Oromo, and Arussi. Among these people, headrests and stools play a vital role among men. These objects are carefully carved and carried by men everywhere they go. Headrests are used as pillows to help someone have good sleep. They are also used as a comfort to help protect ceremonial coiffure. On some occasions, headrests are used as a stool. As a personal object, the headrest has become part of the individual. Usually, when the person died, he is buried with his headrest. Sometimes the headrest is passed on to his heir, who would treat it with respect because this wooden piece embodies the deceased person's spirit.

Provenance: Robert Pearson Collection

Bob Pearson began collecting African art later in his life. He was an engineer, inveterate climber, and long-time collector of books and paintings. Spurred by the Douglas Society at the Denver Museum of Art, and his friendship with noted collector George Heggarty, he began building an enormous, eclectic collection. His African art library grew to several hundred books. He loved textiles and “material culture”-things that had domestic use, like spoons, cups, stools, and chairs, as well as masks and carvings. His collection included items from more than thirty African countries, and his fine eye gave him pieces ranging from a gold dust scale to huge Dogon figural ladders. Africa Direct is honored to have been chosen to sell them.

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