Cutting Board
Gurage, Ethiopia
19th – early 20th c.
Provenance: Alain Dufour, France. Merton Simpson Gallery, NYC Inv. # painted in white, “9501”. Private collection
A rare and early meat cutting board from the Gurage people of Ethiopia, finely hand-carved from a single piece of wood. The form evokes a stylized animal, with a prominent grip suggesting a head, and conical projections on the underside referencing cow udders—symbolic elements deeply rooted in agrarian life.
The edges are adorned with intricate geometric carvings, showcasing traditional Gurage motifs. The surface bears visible cut marks, testifying to its long and purposeful use in domestic food preparation. Rich in both utility and cultural expression, this piece embodies the aesthetic and functional values of Gurage craftsmanship.
Size
Height: 20 ½ in / 52.1 cm
Item
IN 7-3-25 / Price on request
Gallery
Cutting Board
Gurage, Ethiopia
19th – early 20th c.
Provenance: Alain Dufour, France. Merton Simpson Gallery, NYC Inv. # painted in white, “9501”. Private collection
A rare and early meat cutting board from the Gurage people of Ethiopia, finely hand-carved from a single piece of wood. The form evokes a stylized animal, with a prominent grip suggesting a head, and conical projections on the underside referencing cow udders—symbolic elements deeply rooted in agrarian life.
The edges are adorned with intricate geometric carvings, showcasing traditional Gurage motifs. The surface bears visible cut marks, testifying to its long and purposeful use in domestic food preparation. Rich in both utility and cultural expression, this piece embodies the aesthetic and functional values of Gurage craftsmanship.
Size
Height: 20 ½ in / 52.1 cm
Item
IN 7-3-25 / Price on request
Gallery