Oromo Chair with Cowhide Seat & Back

In Ethiopia, most household seating was low. A tall back said something about the person leaning on it.

Chairs with tall backs were traditionally associated with elders and people of standing. This one was made by the Oromo in the late 19th or early 20th century. The frame is stout, hand-shaped wood, with sturdy legs, projecting pegs at the seat corners and two finials rising at the top of the back. Hide is stretched across the back and laced to the frame with leather thongs, and a dark, hair-on hide forms the seat.

The back is warm tan with reddish markings.

Commanding, and rustic. Sit up straight.