Swahili Bed

Bed and cradles were imported from the dhow trade from India and the Middle East. The tradition was carried out by artisans in Pate Islands, especially at Siyu. Most were either hand carved or turned on hand lathes and then painted in 'lacwork', lacquer - like vegetable colouring applied bands to the turned pieces of bedlegs and ends. The headboards were carved in lattice-like patterns similar to chairs, or they featured intricate lacwork pegs in the crossbars.