= Antique African BAULE Côte d’Ivoire Carved Wood Stool Ancestral Low Chair

Description

Antique African BAULE Côte d’Ivoire Carved Wood Stool Ancestral Low Chair w. Masks
For your consideration is an authentic antique tribal artifact from Africa - a low chair, made for daily use by the Baule People
Baule (Baoule) People of Western Africa, today's central Côte d’Ivoire. The Baule are an Akan people, traditionally farmers, who migrated from Ghana in the 17th century after the Ashanti rose to power. According to oral legend, under the leadership of Queen Pokou, the Baule migrated West and came upon the Komoe river, which they were unable to cross. With the enemy nearing, they started throwing their most prized possessions in the river. Queen Pokou realized that her most prized possession was her son, whom she sacrificed. Upon the sacrifice, the Hippopotamus in the river's water stood up and helped the migrants cross. From then on, the Queen's grief was so strong that the only phrase she could utter was "Baouli" ("The Child is dead") - which is where the tribe's name came to be
The Baule are known for their remarkable art and sculpture, with craftsmen working in many different mediums. Often, their works use the symbolism of religion, which divides the universe into three worlds - that of God, that of Earth, and The Beyond - where the spirits of ancestors live. Baule masks, furniture, objects d'art and domestic objects are highly prized in the west for their distinctive qualities. Some art pieces have such strong symbolic and religious value, that they are meant to only be seen by a specific person or group for which the object was made
Assembled from carved local hardwood, ten pieces jointed together with clever and well-crafted mortise and tenon joints. The sides of the seat display two deep-relief carved mask forms. Arched back support and four low legs. Geometric scarification patterns throughout. All hand crafted with local wood and traditional hand tools
Such chairs were used in everyday domestic tasks and chores, as well as for eating and festivities out in the town. They were often memorials for past ancestors, and offerings would be placed on the seat of the chair when not in use
In the case of this low chair, the masks and their fine detail indicate that it was most likely an ancestral memorial chair
Baule People Cote d'Ivoire, Western Africa - late 19th/early 20th century
Tagged on the underside by the previous owner, the prestigious Gordon B. Lankton Collection
References:
The Tribal Arts of Africa - Jean-Baptiste Bacquart (2002);
African Seats - Sandro Bocola (2002);
For Spirits and Kings: African art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman collection - Metropolitan Museum, NY (1981);
Provenance:
The Gordon B. Lankton Collection of African Art
This and all African artifacts we sell are 100% guaranteed to be Genuine, Authentic and Antique, NOT modern reproductions or souvenirs made for the tourist trade. We will provide provenance whenever possible, and a Certificate of Authenticity from our gallery can be attached upon buyer request
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Measurements:
Approx. 17.5" (45 cm) x 11" (28 cm), 14.5" high (37 cm)
Weighs about 3.5 lbs.
Condition:
Please see
photos below. All original. Some natural splits, still strong and sturdy despite skewing in the wood from the great age. Outstanding display.
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