Description: Asante Ashanti Stool With Figure Dark Wood Ghana Approximate AgeEarly 20th Century Height (in)14 Width (in)23 Depth (in)9 Overall Condition Good to Very Good. The Asante stools are a significant form of African art originating from the Asante people, a tribe located in present-day Ghana. These stools are not just functional pieces of furniture, but also hold deep cultural and spiritual meanings within Asante society. Among the Asante an elaborate stool like this serves multiple purposes in addition to providing a well-designed seat to sit upon. Asante stools take their name Dwa from the wood out of which they are carved. When a daughter reaches the age of puberty her father is expected to give her stool that becomes not only her property but also identification with her soul and being. So that often stools will be seen with their upper corners worn from being leaned up against the wall or laid down on their sides, all to prevent some one else from sitting on it or worse a malevolent spirit could take charge of the stool and the owner's spirit. Stools are also identified with the various royal states as each state will have it s own design as will their king and queen mother. Stools often have proverbs or sayings or historical events identified to them in fact the skulls of defeated enemies were often attached to the stools of a victorious king! Stools start out as a white wood and through time take on a burnished and well-worn hue as this stool and it must be noted that Akan stools are carved from a single piece of wood reflecting the skill and talent of the stool carvers and not nailed together as European chairs. Designs of stools may vary as to the inventiveness of the stool carver and today many of the proverbial forms are either forgotten or interpreted as a new form. The making of Asante stools is a craft passed down from generation to generation, and it plays a significant role in the Asante culture. The process of making the stool involves several steps, including the selection of the wood, carving the designs, and finishing the stool with a special oil. The craftsmanship involved in making these stools has been recognized globally, and they have become highly sought after as collector's items. In conclusion, the Asante stools are a form of African art that goes beyond just their aesthetic appeal. They are functional pieces of furniture that hold deep cultural and spiritual meanings within the Asante society. Asante stools are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess of the Asante people.
Price: 250 USD
Location: Highland Mills, New York
End Time: 2025-01-15T01:29:56.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Origin: Ghana
author: None
Material: Wood
Age Level: Early 20th Century
Item Length: 9.0
Maker: Asante, Ashanti Artisan
Type: Stool, chair, artifact
Item Height: 13.0
Original/Reproduction: Original
Style: None
Country of Origin: Ghana
Item Width: 23.0