I am pleased to offer an exquisite antique Carved Wood Barshin or Headrest from the Boni or Somali people, Ethiopia, East Africa. The headrest measures 6 inches in width by 4 inches in depth by 5.7" inches in height and is carved from a single piece of fine-grained wood known as hagar in Somali or yucub wood. Somali and Boni nomads make use of two types of headrests: one with a single cylindrical supporting column, such as the example on offer and one with a double column. It appears that the different styles are for men of different status, with the single-columned variety for young men and the double-columned variety reserved for elders; the more elaborate the headrest, the higher the status of its owner. The purpose of headrests is to enable people to sleep without interfering with their complicated coiffure. Although the need to adorn and beautify is inherent in just about every African culture, coiffures in Ethiopia frequently declare their owner's age, gender, rank and status; and often they are embellished by accoutrements of a religious nature. At this level they are no longer simple hairstyles, but become signs, symbols and potent empowering devices which require protection. This superb example has an ergonomic look and feel, such is the beauty of the carving, elliptical lines and polished surfaces. It shows very heavy wear and patina consistent with a dating to the 19th century and would make an exceptionally fine addition to any collection of African art. Please check photo's 

READ THIS I SHIP WITHIN 36 HOURS OF PAYMENT MON-THURS., FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY PAYMENTS SHIP ON MONDAY. IF YOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT ARRIVE IN

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 ALSO TRACKING IS AUTOMATICALLY SENT TO YOU ONCE THE LABEL IS PRINTED.I COMBINE SHIPPING WHERE I CAN. PLEASE IF BUYING MULTIPLE ITEMS LET ME INVOICE YOU IT MAY BE A DAY OF TWO BEFORE I DO THAT SO BE PATIENT WITH ME.

 IN MY HASTE TO LIST THINGS SOMETIMES I WILL MAKE A MISTAKE I AM HUMAN I AM VERY EASY TO WORK WITH TO MAKE IT RIGHT YOU DO NOT NEED TO OPEN A CASE WITH EBAY CHECK MY FEEDBACKS

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