This is what an Okapi would look like on a Chaboo.  They are pretty big so its probably more like a baby okapi.

What is an Okapi you ask?  A freakish looking zebra/horse hybrid!  well… thats according to me.  Wikipedia defines the animal as:

The Okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is a mammal native to the Ituri Rainforest, located in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in central Africa. Although the Okapi bears striped markings reminiscent of the zebra, it is most closely related to the giraffe.

Most interesting is the history of the okapi in human imagination.  The ancient egyptians knew of the animal and carved its likeness into stone.  Europeans who had heard of it called it the “african unicorn”.  The okapi is a classic example of an animal being presumed mythical if no specimens have been captured.  Also, a classic example of the term “unicorn” being overused.  I propose a hierarchy of mythical creatures with unicorn only being so so mythical.  Pegasus is waaay more rare and has wings.  Well save “pegasus” for the rarest of rare.

I saw one at the San Diego Zoo stick out its tongue at least 3 ft to grab a leaf from a branch.  More than that Im most fascinated by the funny name of the animal.

O  K    A  P I.

Yah, Im a sucker for funny names.  C H A B O O O O O !!!

How will you use your Chaboo?

I originally designed Chaboo for myself.  I like small spaces, I like sitting on the floor, and I wanted a piece of dynamic/versatile furniture.  Chaboo is meant to be furniture that you use in many many different ways and move everyday.

Im having my friend from RISD, Chris Towery do some illustrations demonstrating the different uses.  I sent him photos I took of my mom and brother using the chaboo in various ways.  Chris is an excellent designer who did the original design for my Tomitadesigns logo back in the day.  He is a graphic designer for Quicksilver now and likes to sketch jazz bands in his leisure time.

I like the okapi one the best!  Pretty sweet….