Not Currently On View in Intersections

Object Name: Chief’s stool

Place of Origin: Western Grassfields, Cameroon

Date/Era: Late 19th-early 20th century

Medium/Materials: Wood, plant fiber

Credit Line: Gift of the Wellcome Trust.

Accession Number: X65.1617

In the Cameroon Grassfields royal stools with carved human figures supporting the seats are distinct markers of authority and prestige. The most elaborate are those created for kings to use as thrones. Such a seat of power was thought to contain the life force of the ruler, which precluded anyone else from using it. At a leaders death, his throne was believed to die as well and was either buried with him or left to decay.

Source: Gallery text, Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives, 2006