Caryatid stool · D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3036255
Edith Hafter, Solothurn, Switzerland
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.
Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brüssel 1987, p. 165, ill. 21