Not Currently On View in Intersections

Object Name: Ceremonial chair

Artist: Unknown

Place of Origin: Central Western Grassfields, Cameroon

Date/Era: Early 20th century

Dimensions: H: 81.5 cm

Medium/Materials: Wood

Credit Line: Fowler Museum at UCLA. Gift of the Wellcome Trust.

Accession Number: X65.1621

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. Certain thrones became memorials to rulers and members of their families. Others were presented as gifts to foreign dignitaries, and some were given to the royal successors. More often, the new ruler commissioned a new seat to signify the attributes of his reign. This large seat, modeled after a European chair with a back, was featured in the British Empire Exhibition held in Wembly, England, 1924-1925.