Traditional African Tribal Art Headrest, Hamar People, Ethiopia

Dimension: 6 3/4" wide x 5 1/4" deep x 5 3/4" high.
A tribal art African headrest from the Hamar people of Ethiopia possibly dating from the early 20th century. It is difficult to ascribe these objects a specific date as they are part of an ongoing tradition. However authenticity is more important than age, and the fact that objects show tribal use and purpose and were not made to sell. The dark patination in fairly even without a lot of wear but the dark polished color also indicates that it is carved from a hardwood which is not typical. The Hamar (also spelled Hamer) are an Omotic Community inhabiting southwestern Ethiopia. They live in Hamer woreda (or district), a fertile part of the Omo River valley, in the Debub Omo Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region. They are largely pastoralists, so their culture places a high value on cattle. Hamar headrest is part of a formidable collection of African Art by an international collector now residing in Miami.