Lot 81H
Africa, Fante/Asante, ca. 20th century CE. A grand, hand-carved wooden ceremonial stool/bench with a rectangular base upon which stand zoomorphic figures sharing a plinth adorned with an incised diamond pattern - including a pair of seated felines flanking a sweet bird - and supporting a sloped seat. Stools like this example have traditionally been used to reflect the status of many African peoples, these special seats reserved for chiefs and other elites. Oftentimes they were never actually sat upon, but rather displayed as impressive regalia. The various animals and/or human figures supporting the seat represented the owner's ancestral line or reflected his authority. The implications of the wild felines, most likely representing lions - legendarily powerful beasts - are clear. The bird being a sky animal may symbolize a link to the celestial realm where the ancestors reside. Size: 13.875" L x 26.25" W x 17.125" H (35.2 cm x 66.7 cm x 43.5 cm)
The Akan - including the Akuapem, the Akyem, the Ashanti/Asante, the Baoule, the Anyi, the Brong, the Fante and the Nzema peoples share cultural elements while maintaining distinct tribal identities. Their society believed in numerous gods under a primary deity called Onyame. The society is ruled by Asantahenes, as well as minor chiefs who claim royal status via a connection to the land and the founders of its villages. One important fact that unites the peoples of the Akan is that they adopted a golden stool as their emblem and battled European invaders in the 18th century. In addition, they staved off Northern Islamic groups.
Provenance: private Merton D. Simpson collection
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#126135
- Condition: Age wear and losses as shown. Old repairs to the seat. Wonderful lustrous patina and nice remains of red pigment.
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