Click Here for New Arrivals! In Africa, most seating such as chairs and stools were commissioned to honor royalty or highly regarded village members. This was accomplished by infusing traditional symbolic motifs that reflect the perceived character of the intended recipient into the piece. The artisan would have to be adept in his craft and also possess an extensive knowledge of tribal lore. Before Islam and Christianity the Baga people of Guinea were very attached to their ancestral traditions. At present the Baga are trying to resurrect these practices. They were animists and believed in a multitude of spirits. The much lauded Nimba entity is though to evoke fertility of the land and that of women. The Nimba figure itself represents the ideal fertile woman. The giant Nimba structure, the largest African mask, is carried on the shoulders of a Baga dancer, through the fields during agricultural rituals and other festivities to promote fertility, abundance and prosperity. Six Baga Nimba figures have been chiseled around the center base of this reddish hardwood seat. This unusual stool symbolizes a top honor and was given as a gift to a Baga woman who was held in high esteem in the eyes of her village. The seat is a splendid example of how Africans utilize spiritual entities, transform them into tangible forms or visual motifs and apply them to utilitarian objects that are then integrated into the social structure of tribal society. Please click photo for enlargement! See other photos below. Sold. Please scroll down to Order. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message!
Dimensions: 10 1/2 inches tall with a 15 inch diameter. Wt: 17 lbs. **For a complete inventory listing please go to the 'Index' section on the Navigation Bar to your right** |
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