Furnitures & Stools
Browse our selection of handcrafted furniture pieces with cultural significance.
Pokot Headrest, Kenya.
A beautiful Pokot headrest, gracefully shaped from wood with distinctive outward-flaring sides that offer steady support. Nicely aged with a rich, warm patina, it speaks to its history and extensive use. Thoughtfully designed to help preserve traditional hairstyles while symbolizing status and heritage, this rare collectible embodies culture and tradition. A must-have for collectors, crafted in the early 20th century, measuring H 19 cm x W 27 cm.
A pair of Swazi Headrests, South Africa
This pair of Swazi wooden headrests features two horizontal bars resting on four flared legs, adorned with carved grooves and a central pendulous lug. Their rich brown patina and visible signs of age enhance their authenticity and charm. Designed to preserve intricate hairstyles, these mid-20th-century headrests are remarkable artifacts with a timeless aesthetic. Dimensions: H 18cm x W 47 cm and H 17 cm x W 47 cm. A distinctive collector’s item that showcases the cultural heritage of the North Nguni people of South Africa.
Headrest, Kaffa, Ethiopia.
This outstanding headrest from the Kaffa area in Ethiopia is a fine example of traditional craftsmanship. Historically used to support elaborate coiffures, it could also be used as a status symbol. Expertly carved from wood, it features a gracefully curved top for comfortable head placement and a sturdy conical base for stability. Made in the mid-20th century, it measures H 16 cm x W 19 cm. A unique collector’s item, perfect for enthusiasts of African heritage and finely crafted antiques.
Gurage Seat, Ethiopia.
Gurage wooden seat skillfully crafted from solid wood, showcasing a well-worn patina that reflects its age and use. Its naturally weathered surface enhances its character, while the curved seat and sturdy legs contribute to its traditional design. Made in the mid 20th century, dimensions H 11 cm x W 30 cm.
A pair of Turkana Headrest, Kenya.
Two Turkana tribe headrests, expertly crafted from wood, capture the classic traditional Turkana style with intricate patterns that showcase their cultural craftsmanship. One piece features an aluminum repair, enhancing its character and adding a unique visual contrast. Dating from the mid to late 20th century, they measure H 20 cm x W 16 cm and H 16 cm x W 14 cm.
Headrest, Kaffa, Ethiopia.
The headrest from the Kaffa area in Ethiopia is elegantly simple, featuring smooth curves and refined craftsmanship. Its balanced form, polished wood, and graceful lines create a timeless, understated sleeping beauty. Made in the mid-20th century, it measures H 16.5 cm x W 17 cm and can seamlessly fit into any collection, complementing both traditional and contemporary pieces.
Headrest, Oromo area, Ethiopia
The wooden headrest has a rich, smooth patina that enhances its timeless elegance. Its curved top, cylindrical pedestal, and balanced circular base showcase refined craftsmanship and classic design. Made in the mid-20th century, dimensions are H 16 cm x W 16 cm.
Kamba Tribe Stool,Kenya
A strong representation of the Kamba tribe Kenya. It's hand sculpt from wood and dates back to the mid 20th century.
Headrest, Barkin, Somalia
Own a piece of history with this Boni Somali headrest (Barkin)—a finely crafted wooden support used by Boni and Somali nomads. Featuring an intricate interwoven design, it serves both practical and symbolic purposes—providing rest, signifying status, and promoting vigilance. Measuring H 16 cm x W 18 cm, it dates back to the mid-20th century, making it a remarkable addition to any collection.
Kambatta Headrest Pair, Ethiopia.
This pair of Kambata headrests features a solid wooden block with a sturdy, practical design for lasting support. Their rich, dark brown patina adds character, reflecting age and use. Mid-20th century. H 15 cm × W 18 cm, H 15 cm × W 19 cm.
Gurage seat, Ethiopia.
This mid-20th century Gurage wooden seat is a wonderful example of Ethiopian craftsmanship. Made from solid wood, it features a well aged patina and a naturally weathered look, reflecting its age and use. A distinctive addition to any space, offering both character and cultural heritage. Dimensions are H 12 cm x W 38 cm.
A pair of Kamba Stool, Kenya.
Exceptional pair of mid-20th century Kamba stools . Handcrafted from solid wood, they feature intricate glass bead inlays that highlight the artistry of traditional Kamba craftsmanship who are renowned for their carving skills. One stool measures H 34 cm x W 33 cm while the other is H 32 cm x W 31 cm.
Saddle Seat. Asella, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Rare mid-20th-century Donkey saddle-seat from Asella Oromia Ethiopia expertly carved from dense wood for donkey riders. Its curved, concave design ensures comfort, blending tradition with practicality. A distinctive collectible with rich heritage, sourced from an ex-UK collection. Measurements are H 22 cm x W 42 cm. A stunning piece for enthusiasts of African craftsmanship.
Headrest , Ethiopia.
This Ethiopian headrest boasts a bold and chunky design, with a thick, sturdy structure that makes it firm. The carved patterns are striking, particularly the M-shaped cut-out in the base, which adds a geometric element to its form. The surface of the wood showcases natural grain variations and textures, giving it a rich, aged natural patina.
A pair of Turkana Headrest, Kenya.
These two Turkana headrests from Kenya showcase classic Turkana traditional craftsmanship, skillfully carved from wood with a curved square surface designed to support the head for comfort. Supported by two curved legs for stability, they feature a smooth, polished finish that highlights the natural grain of the wood. Crafted in the late 20th century, these headrests reflect the nomadic lifestyle of the Turkana people, serving as essential objects to preserve elaborate coiffures and provide restful sleep. Dimensions are H 22 cm x W 20 cm and H18 cm x W 15 cm.
Luo Stool,Kenya.
This traditional Luo stool, expertly carved from wood, showcases a compact four-legged design with a deeply concave seat for comfort. Elegantly curved legs provide stability, while the rich wood grain and natural brown patina enhance its timeless appeal. Dating back to the mid-20th century, it measures H 19 cm x W 30 cm. Ex Uk collection.
Tonga Stool
A pair of outstanding Tonga stools from Zimbabwe. The stools are wooden, with round flat seats and intricately carved bases featuring geometric cut-out patterns, showcasing a classic craftsmanship of the Tonga. The stools exhibit a rich patina, reflecting their age and use over time. They show wear and tear typical of wooden materials, adding character and authenticity to their appearance.
Headrest, Kaffa, Ethiopia.
This Ethiopian headrest from the Kaffa region, crafted from wood, features a gracefully curved top for comfort and support. The conical base, adorned with geometric carvings, showcases traditional artistry. Dating to the mid-to-late 20th century, it measures H 16 cm x W 18 cm and was formerly part of a UK collection prized piece for collectors of African art.
Pokot Headrest, Kenya.
A beautiful Pokot headrest, gracefully shaped from wood with distinctive outward-flaring sides that offer steady support. Nicely aged with a rich, warm patina, it speaks to its history and extensive use. Thoughtfully designed to help preserve traditional hairstyles while symbolizing status and heritage, this rare collectible embodies culture and tradition. A must-have for collectors, crafted in the early 20th century, measuring H 19 cm x W 27 cm.