Object Details
- We artist
- Label Text
- Although round stools are ubiquitous in sub-Saharan Africa, their degree of refinement varies. Most stools are carved from a single block of wood. Cylindrical stools are carved with the grain running bottom to top. The circular seat is usually supported by a single central column joined to a round base. Wide variation occurs in the carving of the central column that supports the seat. Some exhibit a straight, simple column, others a latticed or perforated column, and others figurative supports.
- In many cases, artists from particular areas produce stools that have a uniformity of design. Although the similarities may occur as the result of the specialized function of stools, individual self-expression is highly prized. Each carver has his distinctive style. In this stool, the artist created an integrated column of two openwork rectangles joined at the center by a horizontal shelf. He carved handles that echo the diagonals of the openwork column, yet all the elements are contained within the basic cylinder of the original tree trunk.
- Description
- Stool composed of two round discs on a central support of openwork X's and side "arm" projections.
- Provenance
- Michael Graham-Stewart, London, -- to 1989
- Exhibition History
- Art of the Personal Object, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., September 24, 1991-April 9, 2007
- Published References
- National Museum of African Art. 1999. Selected Works from the Collection of the National Museum of African Art. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, p. 169, no. 125.
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Credit Line
- Acquisition grant from the James Smithson Society
- Late 19th-early 20th century
- Object number
- 89-8-1
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- Decorative Arts
- Medium
- Wood
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 27 x 26 x 25.1 cm (10 5/8 x 10 1/4 x 9 7/8 in.)
- Geography
- Zimbabwe
- Zambia
- See more items in
- National Museum of African Art Collection
- National Museum of African Art
- Topic
- geometric motif
- male
- Record ID
- nmafa_89-8-1
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys769073c71-0820-403f-ac6e-3e799f4b766d
