Ceremonial Stool of Nana Azia-Ntoa III
Artist: Baule People
Artist: Akan Peoples, Ahanta group
Date: early 20th century
Dimensions:
48 in. (121.9 cm)
Medium: wood, metal studs, and kaolin
Place of Origin: Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire)
Classification: Furniture
Credit Line: Purchased with funds given by Dorothy Mackenzie Price
Object number: 2005.48
Label Text:Akan chiefs sit on elaborate stools for public events, such as the appointing of sub-chiefs. Their seats are designed to attract admiration and enhance the prestige of the owner. Leopards are associated with leaders throughout Africa; so carving the seat on the back of a royal animal is a particularly dramatic symbol of power. Traces of kaolin (white clay) show that the pigment was applied to the surface repeatedly to enhance the big cat’s spots.
DescriptionRoyal stool supported by a leopard. Head, body, legs, and seat carved from a single block of wood; the tail carved from a separate piece of the same wood and joined. Metal tacks used to ornament the top of the seat-some iron, others brass and/or copper. Many types of stools and chairs are made for public use in West Africa. The larger and less portable they are, the more prestigious for the owner.
Royal stool supported by a leopard.
Head, body, legs, and seat carved from a single block of wood; the tail carved from a separate piece of the same wood and joined. Metal tacks used to ornament the top of the seat--some iron, others brass and /or copper.
Many types of stools and chairs are made for public use in West Africa. The larger and less portable they are, the more prestigious for the owner.
Royal stool supported by a leopard.
Head, body, legs, and seat carved from a single block of wood; the tail carved from a separate piece of the same wood and joined. Metal tacks used to ornament the top of the seat--some iron, others brass and /or copper.
Many types of stools and chairs are made for public use in West Africa. The larger and less portable they are, the more prestigious for the owner.
Not on view
In Collection(s)