Caryiatid stool ·  D. R. Congo, Luba · ID: 3034621

Description

wood, middle and dark brown patina, pokerwork, a male and a female figure, standing back to back, both wearing a loincloth and a pokerwork necklace with a cross-shaped pendant, the female figure showing additional bracelets and body scarifications, rep. (breakage at the base and seat), cracks, slight traces of usage;
such stools were only brought out on special occasions, such as birth, initiation, marriage, or in case of death. They were reserved for a political and spiritual “upper class”, such as kings, chiefs, priests, medicine men, healers or dignitaries. They mainly had representative and/or ritual function, but were given away to other chiefs or dignitaries as well. They were not made for the public. When not in use, they were wrapped in white cloth and were kept in a safe place.