Carved wooden stools were widespread in Africa during the 20th century, especially in the region of sub-Saharan West Africa. African stools can have diverse functions – such as a household object, or to be used in rites of passage, as a symbol of chieftaincy – but one thing all stools have in common is the craftsmanship and history embedded in them.

Although round stools are ubiquitous in sub-Saharan Africa, their degree of refinement varies. Most stools, like this present one, are carved from a single block of wood. This cylindrical stool is carved with the grain running bottom to top. The visible carving marks create a rustic, elemental look where the creator’s handiwork is very apparent. Wide variation occurs in the carving of the support, as artists from particular areas produced stools that have a uniformity of design. Although the similarities may occur as the result of the specialized function of stools, individual self-expression is highly prized. Each carver has his distinctive style. In this stool, the circular seat is supported by three legs that are arranged geometrically under the seat. The artist created a variation on the tripod form, combining straight and curving lines, yet all the elements are contained within the basic cylinder of the original tree trunk. The seat is carved ergonomically to accommodate the sitter, which indicates that this stool was used actively, not solely as a decorative object.

Their artistic corpus of African stools is characterized by a mixture of realistic details combined with pure geometric shapes, playing on the empty and the full. This stool belongs to the more functional pieces with a focus on the material and the craftsmanship. As a result, it has a beautiful patina due to age and wear. Like most items in African tribal art, this stool is very special as it is a unique creation, containing a piece of Africa and its wonderful cultures in it.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood.

Dimensions:

11.61 in ⌀ x 11.81 in H

29.5 cm ⌀ x 30 cm H