Stool Or Seat At Cariatide Culture Tchokwé, Democratic Republic Of Congo Late 19th Century

STOOL or SEAT with CARIATIDE
Culture Tchokwé, Democratic Republic of Congo
Late 19th century
Wood and nail
H.: 27; L.: 21.5; Thickness: 22 cm
(old slits)
On base

Sculpted seat of a seated female caryatid, openwork legs and arms. It rests on a rectangular base eroded by time. His hands with finely incised fingers and stylized fingernails rest just behind his C-shaped ears. continuity of the nasal bridge and a half-open mouth.
His whole body is punctuated with geometric scarifications placed in symmetry: the arms and thighs are decorated with checkerboard, the back with diamonds, crosses and concentric circles.
An upholstery nail is placed at the neckline. Finally, the character's hairstyle is particularly worked in a succession of linear geometric patterns.

Caryatid seats are considered prestige items and were reserved for royalty or high dignitaries.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON


Ref. LP2047