Carved from a single piece of wood. Very comfortable!

Folds down for pocket storage, folds out into a comfy pillow.

Do you have a traditional name? I can't find any information for anything related online

Are the two pieces carved in unison? I've seen plastic versions but to make one without seems with a chunk of wood is clever and impressive.

No, the guide just said it was a "travel pillow" several times and goes as far back in Mongolian history as she is aware. She did say it was a common item that many nomads carried with them.

Yea, according to the guide they get a chunk of wood and carve the two interlocking pieces out of the single piece of wood.

Where did you see the plastic ones? When I saw this, I felt like I had seen it before but cannot for the life of me remember where that might have been. Children's museum?

Same feeling here. I'm pretty sure the ones i saw made of plastic where for books or something not a pillow for your head but was the same folding principle. Either way the wood working is definitely talented.

Definitely. They had a few of them, and they felt very sturdy and so well-crafted that I felt compelled to ask if I could try one out, and I'm very glad I did.