Before the age of the Golden Stool the Ashanti people were dominated by the Denkyira nation. Ashanti king Osei Tutu decided to amass his forces, neighboring chiefs and rulers and lead a revolt. In 1701 along with his friend the great priest, magician and governor Anokye he was able to lead the Ashanti to victory. Shortly after some of his allies wanted to dissolve the alliance that they had with king Tutu. Legend had it that Anokye wanted to keep this victorious unity of tribes and planned a gathering of all of the rulers. During this meeting legend has it that the sky turned dark, lightening struck, thunder roared and a beautiful stool covered with gold floated down from the heavens onto the knee of king Tutu. Upon seeing this miracle a new unity was forged between the unity. It was determined that the stool contained the soul of Ashanti nation. Traditionally the special stools were crafted exclusively for the king with stringent regulations attached such as the seat never being allowed to touch the ground. As time passed rules became more relaxed with important dignitaries, tribal royalty and elders acquiring them as gifts. Most recently after gaining world wide popularity the stools' motifs have been woefully standardized and just as disparaging, the size of the stools have drastically been reduced! We are pleased to bring you not only an original full sized seat but one that features a very important classical motif which has been carved in traditional fashion. Every design used in a stool middle or pedestal has connotation and functions as a verbal as well as a visual message As originally dictated the king was the only person allowed to sit on this particular seat. This sentiment is reinforced by the central carvings. The middle section portrays two 13 1/2 inch long x 7 inch tall panthers which are symbols of kingly royalty. The king is perceived to possess their strength and other envied characteristics. These well carved animals support four seated palace guards each properly armed with swords The detailing of each individual triad; seat, sword and guard are excellent. The double dimension quality of the seat is gorgeous with both sides replicated well. Unfortunately it’s a traditional physical attribute that is not readily practiced any more. The seating area known as "the 'mother's embrace" is wider than the base at a broad 33 inches across and properly severely, curved upwards; a characteristic that is mysteriously lacking in most stools offered today. The base is rectangular and tiered. The stool is strong and natural in color reflecting the age old Ashanti tradition of washing the stools ceremoniously at least once a year and scrubbing it with sand and lemon juice to further blanch the wood. This is not your garden variety everyday Ashanti seat; rather a rare classic rendition of a kings seat done exceptionally well and by the book! Please click photo for enlargement! See additional photos below. Sold Please scroll down to Order. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message! Dimensions: 27 inches tall x 33 inches across x 16 3/4 inches deep. Wt: special cost saving shipping will apply. |
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