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Photo ©2013, Detroit Institute of Arts
Stool
(African)
Staff Picks
“This “stool” is a throne for a chieftain, but it's also a celebration of his female ancestors. The ferocious-looking woman holding up the seat commands high status — signified by the scarification pattern on her stomach and the roles of fat ringing her neck. The man who sat on this throne was proclaiming his noble descent from a line of powerful women, as well as invoking their continued support.”
Graham W. J. Beal, Director, President and CEO
- Date
- 19th/20th Century
- Medium
- Wood
- Dimensions
- 21 3/8 x 13 3/4 x 13 1/4 in. ( 54.3 x 34.9 x 33.7 cm)
- Department
- Africa, Oceania & Indigenous Americas
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Credit
- Founders Society Purchase, Robert H. Tannahill Foundation Fund
- Accession No.
- 75.1
- Provenance
- Formerly in the Collection of: Merton Simpson, New York City Lambert G. Snow (sold 1970) F. A. Snow, England, 1914 - 1922.
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