Description:

West Africa, Ghana, Asante (Ashanti), ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A ceremonial woman's stool, known as a "mma' dwa" (also spelled mmaa' gwa), crafted from a single piece of wood. This traditional Asante stool features five legs atop a raised platform and a curved seat. The central support is a pierced cylinder adorned with a checkered pattern, while the four surrounding legs have triangular projections along one edge, a distinctive stylistic element. This specific design is traditionally associated with stools belonging to women of high status, potentially a royal figure such as the Queen Mother (Asantehemaa). In Asante culture, stools like this hold profound symbolic significance, representing the soul and status of their owner. The term "mma" (mmaa) means "woman" in the Akan language, and "dwa" (gwa) refers to "stool." Stools like this would have been essential in ceremonial contexts, possibly used in rituals, meetings, or as a visual marker of a woman's social and spiritual power. Size: 13" L x 5.5" W x 6.2" H (33 cm x 14 cm x 15.7 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

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#189368

  • Condition: Old insect activity to the base, with deep grooves from insects boring into the surface, and old losses to the sides of legs. Stable pressure fissures and chips to the corners and upper edges. Nice patina throughout. Clear signs of age and wear.

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October 11, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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