Superb title stool ·  Nigéria, Igbo · ID: 3039230

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, four caryatid figures rising from an oval base, supporting a massive seat with sides bent upwards, the figures to the front provided with oversized heads and massive horns, with their left hand each holding a flute, the upper surface of the base and underside of the seat provided with accurate geometric decor, old collection label “Fra Syd-Nigeria…” (unreadable) at the head of one of the figures, slightly dam. (horn tips), abrasion of paint;
title stools and staffs are important visual markers for the social rank and prestige of its owner. Both are subject to hierarchical ideas and/or local conventions about which design should accompany which specific rank. Without specific field data, we cannot identify them precisely except as having belonged to men of high grade. The most elaborate known example of an Igbo title stool can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. It belonged to the “ozo” society. While stools were carved in many Igbo communities, Awka carvers are the best known.

Littérature comparée

Cole, Herbert M. & Chike C. Aniakor, Igbo Arts, Los Angeles 1984, p. 49 f., ill. 73