Africa, Cameroon, Bamun, ca. early 20th century CE. An impressive carved wooden chief's stool, quite old and nicely weathered. Stools created by the cultures of Cameroon are usually related to important chiefs and kings who demonstrated their might via fine objects used during significant ceremonies. Stools like this example were amongst the most important prestigious objects. This stool is adorned with four carved standing figures alternating with four carved heads. The standing figures hold their arms upright, literally supporting the seat of their ruler in a similar manner to caryatids. A wonderful example that has aged gracefully adding great value to this stool; a well used stool with a lovely patina that has developed over the years! Size: 13.25" W x 13" H (33.7 cm x 33 cm).

A similar example recently sold in Christie's ART D'AFRIQUE ET D'OCÉANIE, Sale 4045, Dec. 3, 2015, Lot 72 for 6,000 Euros ($6,386).Follow this link for the entry http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/tabouret-bamileke-bamileke-cameroun-5952708-details.aspx?intobjectid=5952708.

A similar example was featured in the May 13, 2011 Sotheby's, New York auction with an estimate of $6,000 to $9,000. Follow this link for lot 252 from the May 2011 auction - http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2011/african-oceanic-and-precolumbian-art-n08749/lot.252.html

Provenance: Ex-Paul and Louise Bernheimer collection, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA., acquired before 1980.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#112038

Some old fissures to the seat and base as shown. Expected surface wear with hairlines and abrasions.