Gurage Wood House Post

Nine feet of blackened wood, standing like a held breath.

Gurage people of Ethiopia, East Africa, made this house post in wood in the mid 18th century. Tall timber posts like this commonly carry the weight of a traditional roof, which makes them as much structure as symbol. This one tapers to a narrow, pointed top, its long, slim shaft leaning very slightly, with a lengthwise split visible low down. The surface is dark, dry and smooth, weathered to a near-black. It stands upright on a small square plate of black metal.

About 111 inches tall, over nine feet. Your ceiling may need to be consulted.