Big stool in shape of an elephant "esondua" ·  Ghana, Ashanti · ID: 3041087

Description

wood, dark brown patina, cowrie shell eyes, curved seat partly in open-worked design, min. dam., missing parts (tusk), traces of abrasion;
“osono”, the elephant, symbolically supports the seat of this stool with his power and strength. In former times this image was restricted to Chiefs, symbolizing their attributes of power and authority. Known as “esondua”, this stool is linked to a series of proverbs relating to the size, strength and grandeur of the elephant as the most powerful animal in the forest.