Oromo 2-Seat Chair with Cowhide Seat

Thick, dark, and heavily built, with carved heads at the knees.

This two-seat chair was made by Oromo craftsmen in Ethiopia, East Africa, from wood and cowhide in the late 19th or early 20th century. Hide-seated seating of this type is commonly found across the region. A flat leather panel stretches across a heavy frame, and a single curved rail forms the back. Small carved heads sit where the legs meet the seat rails, and the legs taper to blunt feet. The wood is very dark, with traces of red and a lightly cracked patina.

About 31 inches tall and 30 wide. It looks as if it has held up its end of many conversations.