Worth 1,000 words.

But in case you want more details...

This was another "piece of a lifetime" find. I was at the Calgary woodworking show this past weekend and through a series of innocent and casual conversations - found myself staring at this huge piece of Ebony. The previous owner (I was told) was a rather eccentric lady who traveled the world collecting large pieces of exotic wood. When she returned home to Calgary she would decorate them with painted faces. After hearing this story, I had visions of rather fantastic artwork. This piece did not have any faces, but given the random application of blue paint and banana stickers... I think it's better that I saw nothing. And hey - at least it wasn't more General green!

The paper tag on the end was a great little touch to the story - and I will be sure to keep it attached to the 1" off-cut I take from the end.