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This early Gurage meat-cutting board, carved from a single piece of wood, traditionally fulfilled a utilitarian function. Traces of extensive use over time are evident from the shape of the wood. Beautiful diamond-shaped, zig-zag engravings adorn the sides of the cutting board, which reference the striking spiked edges or ‘pyramids’ that decorate the back of the cutting board.
When placed on the ground, the meat-cutting board takes on a wonderful abstracted animal-like form, with a head, four legs, and ‘udders’. In traditional households, the board would have hung on the wall when it was not in use, with its pointed edges or ‘udders’ facing outwards.
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century
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