1: Kambatta, South Ethiopia: a typical neck rest of the Kambatta, from central South Ethiopia. Made of hard wood. The curved padding black as a result of protracted use. The flat middle part subdivided into 6 struts and nicely decorated with geometrical incisions. No damage. Height: c. 20 cm (on both sides); 15 cm (centre); Width: 20 cm (in the upper section).
2: Oromo, Galla, Central Ethiopia: A typical neck rest of the Oromo (also known as Gala). Made of hard wood, with a well-used up padding, into which in the middle on both sides a dark glass pearl has been inserted. With a slightly conical, round foot stand and round base plate (bearing a crack and an old fragment loss). Height: c. 16 cm (on both sides); 14.5 cm (centre); Width: 19 cm.
3: Burdji, Hamar or Karo, South Ethiopia: This type of small neck rest made of soft lightweight wood could be of the Burdji just as well as of the Hamar or Karo. All three tribes live in the area of the Omo River in South Ethiopia. A piece with a smaller padded area and a charmingly designed support (featuring openwork in its upper part and, in its lower end, transforming into four flared ‘legs’). A rare type! A piece with visibly good dark patina as a result of protracted use. No damage. Height: c. 15 cm (on both sides); 13 cm (centre); Width: 13.5 cm. All three Ethiopian neck rests display an old usage patina. First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
German Private Collection.