Palaver Hut

Palaver: Palaver, which shares its etymology with parable, originally applied to long discussion/negotiations between Europeans and Africans during the 18th and 19th centuries where the cultural/language differences prevented concise communications or quick resolutions. Today, the word usually refers to idle, frivolous or misleading discussions, as in: Let's end this palaver and get down to business.

Palaver Hut: From OyePalaverHut.org:

A Palaver Hut is a circular structure constructed of clay and bamboo or wood, with a thatched roof. In West African villages, the Palaver Hut is the place where guests are welcomed.

From today's book:

The meeting came on December 15, 1821, in a palaver hut in King Peter's village.

I looked behind me at Bro Henry, who as just arriving behind us at the spot we picked [on the beach] next to a thatched palaver hut near the lagoon.

West African protocol dictates that the meek go to the strong to judge their palavers.