Oromo 2-Seat Chair with Cowhide Seat

Lashed, laced, and built to take a seat for a long evening.

This two-seat chair is the work of Oromo makers in Ethiopia, East Africa, in wood and cowhide, dated in the record to the late 19th or early 20th century. Seats of rawhide stretched over a wooden frame are commonly seen in this region. Two uprights carry a single curved back rail, and the seat is a rough leather panel with visible stitching and lacing along the edges. The square legs have a chunky, hand-cut feel. The wood is dark brown with reddish touches.

About 37 inches tall. Strong lines and an unpolished sort of honesty.