On View
Visual Arts Gallery
Exhibition
Reclaiming My Time
Designed by
Tariku, Jomo, Ethiopian American, born 1968
Manufactured by
Bohnhoff, David, American
Date
2022
Medium
stain on walnut
Dimensions
H x W x D: 24 1/2 × 22 × 20 in. (62.2 × 55.9 × 50.8 cm)
Description
The MeQuamya Chair designed by Jomo Tariku. The three-legged chair is constructed from American walnut wood with a natural finish. The chair has a T-shaped backrest designed to resemble the prayer and processional staff used by the Ethiopian Coptic Church. It also has a reuleaux triangular shaped seat constructed from three pieces of wood bonded together to create a triangular, wood grain pattern. The three chair legs are carved in a pentagonal shape that is wider at the top and that narrows towards the bottom, terminating in a plain foot that tapers diagonally outward. The legs attach to the chair seat through smooth, fitted joints carved into the legs and seat. The T-shape backrest is an extension of the back leg that rises above the seat and flares out on either side to create the back support. The front side of the backrest projects slightly forward at the midline with diamond shaped points at the top and bottom. The backrest extends outwards in two smooth plains that taper inwards along the top and bottom edges and are squared on the left and right edges. The chair manufacturer’s name, [MADE BY / BOHNHOFF], is engraved on the bottom of the seat. Also on the bottom of the seat is a black ink stamp that reads [MeQuamya Chair #5 / Design by Jomo Tariku, 2018 / Made by David Bohnhoff, 2022 / American Walnut]. There are small felt floor protector pads adhered to the chair feet.
Cultural Place
Ethiopia, East Africa, Africa
Classification
Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Type
seats and seat components
chairs
Topic
Africa
Craftsmanship
Design
Furniture design
Identity
Religion
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2023.64.1
Restrictions & Rights
Design © Jomo Tariku
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5af3114ac-bf77-494b-b6e4-b60cb5231dd9

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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