Womans headrest (barkin) from the Boni or Somali people of Somalia

Men in East Africa use headrests both as pillows and as indicators of status. Men's headrests generally feature a smaller base that makes them
somewhat unstable to sleep on, while the rectangular bases of women's headrests are usually more stable.

The patterns on Somali and Boni headrests probably reflect the Islamic influence in the region. Some scholars interpret the patterns and iconography
as a "form of shorthand for a prayer," to ensure God's protection of the sleeper. Headrests also play an important role in the nuptial ceremonies of
Somali nomads. On his wedding night, the groom places the tubash (a sum of money) under the bride's headrest. The morning after the marriage is
consummated, the bride will use this money to purchase an amber necklace, the symbol of her new status.

The headrests are carved from a single piece of fine-grained wood known as hagar in Somali, or also yucub wood. The wood is usually left its natural
color, but is sometimes painted red or black by its owner. They may be carved by the owner or commissioned from an artist.

References- National Museum of African Art and Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Boni people are commonly found in the southern part of Somalia and also in Kenya.
Boni/Somali womans headrest
4" tall
The photo above shows the 3 Boni headrests currently in my collection
(male headrests on each end and female headrest in the middle)