Artwork Page for Stool

Details / Information for Stool

Stool

before 1929

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nyanga, early 20th Century

Medium
wood
Measurements
Diameter: 26.8 cm (10 9/16 in.); Overall: 27 cm (10 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the African Art Sponsors of Karamu House 1929.345
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This stool isn't asymmetrical, it's ergonomic! The seat tilts to make it more comfortable to use.

Description

Carved from a single piece of wood, Nyanga stools like this were multipurpose and took on different meanings depending on their use. Shaped like a curved hourglass, the shiny, patinated surface is textured with incised geometric designs. One use was for young male initiates to sit on as they received gifts from relatives following circumcision rites. The stools were oiled for the occasion, which results in the smooth, colored texture visible today.

Stool

before 1929

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nyanga, early 20th Century

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