Nupe Wood House Post, Based

A house is held up by something. In Nupe architecture, that something was carved.

Wooden posts supported roofs and verandas, and their decoration added beauty and distinction to the household. This Nupe post, from Nigeria, was carved in the 20th century and now stands on a base. It rises more than eight feet. A long slender shaft is chip-carved along its whole length in repeating triangular notches that catch the light. A slight natural curve runs through it.

The dark wood is weathered, with lighter ridges where the carving stands proud. Ninety-eight inches. Give it ceiling.