A well-designed stool from the Asante people. Among the Asante, an elaborate stool like this serves multiple purposes in addition to providing a well-designed seat to sit upon. Asante stools take their name Dwa from the wood out of which they are carved. When a daughter reaches the age of puberty her father is expected to give her stool that becomes not only her property but also identification with her soul and being. Often stools will be seen with their upper corners worn from being leaned up against the wall or laid down on their sides, this is to prevent someone else from sitting on it, or worse a malevolent spirit could take charge of the stool and the owner's spirit. Stools often have proverbs, sayings, or historical events identified with them. In fact, the skulls of defeated enemies were often attached to the stools of a victorious king! Stools start out as white wood and over time take on a burnished and well-worn hue. These stools are carved from a single piece of wood reflecting the skill and talent of the stool carvers and not nailed together as European chairs commonly are. Designs of stools may vary as to the inventiveness of the stool carver and today many of the proverbial forms are either forgotten or interpreted as a new form.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good, cracks, scrapes. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes, and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.

Origin:
Ghana

Materials & Techniques:
Wood

Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: Ghana

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good, cracks, scrapes. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes, and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.