Egyptian vintage leather footrest, 1950s

Traditionally used to ride camels in the desert in the Middle East, this camel saddle was bought by a British serviceman who was stationed in Oman during the 1950s. We bought this lovely piece from his son. The wooden base is inlaid with brass studs and each leg decorated with a different motif depicting Pharaonic designs; ‘King Mena’ (or Menes) a pharaoh of the Early Dynastic Period of ancient Egypt; a man on a camel with the words ‘Cairo, Egypt’; the other two decorated with scenes from Giza. The original green Moroccan leather straw-filled cushion has achieved the most wonderful patination only age can bring, and depicts Egyptian hieroglyphics carved into the hide. At some stage in its life there has been an attempt at re-connolising the leather to the underside. The wooden frame is held together with rawhide rope ties, faintly marked ‘Made in Egypt’ to the underside. This camel saddle stool is very sturdy, the leather in good condition and plump with no rips or tears, and therefore could be used as a footstool or just as appreciated as a beautiful decorative piece. Reference : 253743