Indian Swing Seat with Iron Rings

A swing seat with four iron rings and a strong sense of purpose.

This swing seat with iron rings was made in teak wood in Gujarat, India, in the 20th century. Wooden swing seats, or jhula, are commonly hung in homes and verandas in western India. The long board is a deep brown with a simple raised border, and an iron ring is fixed at each corner for the chains. The grain runs lengthwise, with a faint crack down the center.

About 56 inches long and 24 wide. Hang it, or lean it, and it still looks like it means business.