Swahili High-Backed Chair (Kiti Cha Enzi)

East African, probably 19th century, the hardwood chair having wide armrests flanking a squared seat, with caned panels embellishing the high back and foot-rest, having a bone-inlaid crest of foliate design.
h. 50-1/2", w. 29-1/2", d. 22"

Provenance: Purchased from Whisnant Galleries, New Orleans, Louisiana.

In good "as found" condition. The finish is quite thin. The chair is loose at its joints. The piece shows normal wear consistent with age and use. There are scattered small inlay losses, several losses to the sawtooth bone ornament, losses to inlaid stringing and a loss of one spindle in the apron. The woven "caning" appears to be later and is in good condition.