Gurage Wood House Post

It bows, very slightly, like a figure about to speak.

This house post comes from the Gurage of Ethiopia, East Africa, and was made in wood in the mid 18th century. In traditional building, long posts like this commonly serve as structural supports under the roof. The shaft carries a gentle S-shaped bow, thicker at the foot and narrowing to a slim point at the top. The dark surface is dry and finely weathered, with a few long, shallow marks running along the grain. A small square black metal plate holds it upright.

About 128 inches tall, more than ten and a half feet. It wants a high ceiling and a confident host.