Headrest c. 20th century

This headrest was carved, maybe whittled, by a Gurage artist at some point in time, out of what looks like a warm, brown piece of wood. I just love how it has this kind of hourglass shape that flares out at the bottom like a bell. It's practical, right? Because it needs to be stable. But then, somebody was thinking about form, about beauty, too. I can imagine them working away, shaving off little bits of wood, feeling the shape emerge in their hands. And those lines! They give it this understated elegance, a rhythm that draws your eye around the whole thing. I can see how the conversation between artists throughout time keeps going, each one responding to the past, adding their own voice. The shape and the material feel so grounded, like a direct connection to the earth. This is such a cool form!