Stool

Object Details

We artist

Label Text

Although round stools are ubiquitous in sub-Saharan Africa, their degree of refinement varies. Most stools are carved from a single block of wood. Cylindrical stools are carved with the grain running bottom to top. The circular seat is usually supported by a single central column joined to a round base. Wide variation occurs in the carving of the central column that supports the seat. Some exhibit a straight, simple column, others a latticed or perforated column, and others figurative supports.

In many cases, artists from particular areas produce stools that have a uniformity of design. Although the similarities may occur as the result of the specialized function of stools, individual self-expression is highly prized. Each carver has his distinctive style. In this stool, the artist created an integrated column of two openwork rectangles joined at the center by a horizontal shelf. He carved handles that echo the diagonals of the openwork column, yet all the elements are contained within the basic cylinder of the original tree trunk.

Description

Stool composed of two round discs on a central support of openwork X's and side "arm" projections.

Provenance

Michael Graham-Stewart, London, -- to 1989

Exhibition History

Art of the Personal Object, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., September 24, 1991-April 9, 2007

Published References

National Museum of African Art. 1999. Selected Works from the Collection of the National Museum of African Art. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, p. 169, no. 125.

Content Statement

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Image Requests

High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/

Credit Line

Acquisition grant from the James Smithson Society

Late 19th-early 20th century

Object number

89-8-1

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Decorative Arts

Medium

Wood

Dimensions

H x W x D: 27 x 26 x 25.1 cm (10 5/8 x 10 1/4 x 9 7/8 in.)

Geography

Zimbabwe

Zambia

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Topic

geometric motif

male

Record ID

nmafa_89-8-1

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys769073c71-0820-403f-ac6e-3e799f4b766d