Anthropomorphic Stool

Origin: Luba Tribe, D.R. Congo
Composition: wood, pigment dye

Seats are the most important symbol of Luba kingship, as they are for many African peoples. Not only is the Luba king’s palace referred to as “the seat of power” but seating is also a metaphor for the many levels and layers of hierarchy and stratification that characterize Luba royal prerogative.

During intiation rites into the Mbudye secret society, rank and title are indicated by the progressive accession to more prestigious forms of seating, beginning with simple woven mats and moving on to animal skins and furs, then modeled clay thrones, and finally, sculpted wooden stools and thrones that are the prerogative of kings and spirits.

Stools are such potent emblems that they are often kept secretly in a village separate from their owner, and only brought out on very rare and special occasions. This museum-quality stool shows significant signs of age and use. (ref: Prestel, "Masterpieces from Central Africa").