Matta Village Low Chair with Leather-Woven Seat — Swat Valley

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Matta Village Low Chair with Leather-Woven Seat — Swat Valley

A beautifully handcrafted low chair from Matta village in the Swat Valley, Northern Pakistan. Dating to the 19th century, this piece features a finely carved wooden backrest with radiating floral and geometric motifs — designs that reflect the region’s unique tribal aesthetic and devotion to ornamental woodworking.

The seat is traditionally braided using interlaced cow leather strips, a technique prized for both strength and comfort. Solid turned posts, hand-tooled details, and the naturally worn surface lend the chair an earthy, sculptural presence. Once used in domestic settings for sitting close to the hearth, it now stands as a rare and character-rich example of Swati village craftsmanship.