Caryatid stool

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Description

light brown wood, matt patina, remains of polychrome paint, round base and seat, eyes inset with small beads, backside and thighs painted with sun-like motives, rep. (small replenishment at the base), fine cracks, small missing parts through insect caused damage, traces of abrasion;
the use of such stools was reserved for special occacions, such as birth, initiation, marriage, or a case of death. They were reserved for a political and spiritual “upper class”, such as chiefs, priests, medicine men, healers and dignitaries. They mainly fullfilled representative and/or ritual functions, but were donated to kings or merited dignitaries as well. They were not destined to be shown in public.

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Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brüssel 1987, p. 165, ill. 21

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