Caryatid stool
R. D. Congo, Songye
n'est plus disponible
Taille
H: 56 cm
H: 22.0 inch
Description
light brown wood, partly encrusted brown patina, remains of pigments, wearing a loincloth and necklaces, the mouth stuffed with animal skin, rep. (cracks at the seat and base), missing parts through insect caused damage (base), traces of usage;
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.