Jimma Chair, 2024
JOMO TARIKU
Jimma Chair, 2024
Walnut, birch
35.5 x 22.5 x 17 in
Jomo Tariku’s latest chair design, the Jimma Chair is based on a traditional chair named after the town of Jimma, located in the southwestern Ethiopia. It is a distinctive piece of Ethiopian furniture, inspired by the furniture of King Abba Jifar. The chairs are frequently hand-carved from a single piece of wood, and known for strong, sculptural forms. The wide back is often in a half-circle or semi-circular shape. The Jimma chair has cultural significance in Ethiopia and was traditionally used by important individuals or elders in the community. It symbolizes status, respect, and heritage.
The Jimma Chair is in the permanent collection of The Brooklyn Museum.
“I aim to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for elevated modern African design, and to inspire a deeper and fuller connection to the continent. I weave the continent’s nature, art, and history within each piece I produce. Every design tells a unique story, with no detail overlooked or undervalued.” —Jomo Tariku
