Headrest, Rendille people, Kenya Wood Headrests from the Horn of Africa were highly personal objects used daily. Today, they survive only in a few isolated regions of the continent, particularly in the area where the borders of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan converge. This important, and superb headrest is typical of the Rendille ethnic group, which inhabits the climatically harsh regions between Marsabit County and Lake Turkana in Northern Kenya. They are neighbors of Borana, Gabra, and Samburu. Traditionally, they have been nomadic pastoralists, tending camels, sheep, goats and cattle. The camels were generally kept in the northern parts of their territory and the cattle in the southern section. To make this unique piece, the sculptor took advantage of the natural shape of a single piece of wood with its branch outgrowths, giving it an organic, even zoomorphic form. Considering its large size, this headrest could also be used as a small occasional stool. It has acquired a marvelous dark glossy patina over time and use. Acquired in situ and in my personal collection over the past 30 years.