Admission is Free | Open Wed–Sun
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.
Source: Marla C. Berns, World Arts, Local Lives: The Collections of the Fowler Museum at UCLA. Fowler Museum, Los Angeles, 2014, p106, figure no. 59