The Pygmy groups of Zaire that recognize themselves as Mbuti are a curious entity even unto fellow Africans. They are perceived to be an oddity for they rarely grow over 4 feet 9 inches in height and they dwell within the foreboding confines of the Ituri rain forest which the neighboring villagers from the surrounding grasslands consider to be treacherous and evil filed. Despite distinct physical, geographical and cultural differences, the Mbuti maintain harmonious relations with the grasslanders. Historically the Mbuti as a whole do not use a wide variety of ritual objects for ceremony as do most African tribes or at least they are not know to outsiders. One commonality as evidenced here is the Pygmy desire to create special seating for persons of status in their tribe. The attractive hand carved hardwood seat has three connecting sections: the base, connecting pin and the seat back. This is an unique configuration is known only unto the Pygmy tribe in Africa. The separation enables the seatback to fold down which makes it very compact and convenient to carry from place to place. Each part has been carefully crafted to fit perfectly. The base and back have been adorned with tribal patterns.
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