Oromo Walaja or Writing Board

Tall, narrow, and covered in ink from top to bottom.

Oromo scholars of Ethiopia, East Africa, used this walaja, or writing board, made of wood in the 20th century. Wooden boards of this kind were commonly used in Quranic study, with verses written in ink and washed off for reuse. The board is a long, slender plank with a small knob head and notched foot. Dense lines of Arabic-style script run down its face in dark ink. The wood is a pale golden tan, aged and smooth.

About fifty-three inches long. A scroll for people who prefer wood.