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West Africa, Burkina Faso, Mossi people, ca. early 20th century CE. A charming, hand-carved wooden stool of abstract anthropomorphic form. The “back” of the figure is the broad, nearly flat surface of the stool, while the legs are meant to be the hands and legs of a person crawling on all fours. The handle is a protruding head with a long neck and angular, crested headdress. Stools were a popular piece of political regalia throughout West Africa, with the Asante being best known for them in the western art world, but many other cultures also creating them. They indicated the status of their owner. Size: 13.85″ L x 5.5″ W x 6.25″ H (35.2 cm x 14 cm x 15.9 cm)
For the type see “Man and his Vision, The Traditional Wood Sculpture of Burkina Faso” by Esther A. Dadan, page 58-59.
Condition: Wood has cracks along its natural lines that are shallow and stable over much of the surface, especially on the legs. Very nice, smooth patina from age and handling.
Provenance: private New York, USA collection
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