Prestigous seat, originated from Asante, Ghana
 
Material:
Carved painted wood.
 
Dimensions:
H 40 cm. L 54 cm.
 
Provenance:
Estate of Denise David (1928-2011), Zurich.
 
The seats reserved for the high-ranking notables are still a symbol of dignity and power. They are the most important regalia of the Asante regents. Their role varies from simple utilitarian object to symbol of the entire state.
 
There is a very special intimacy between owner and seat: Asante wisdom states that there are no secrets between them. The seats are kept by survivors as memorabilia until no one can remember the former owners.
 
Further reading:
Bocola, Sandro (1994). African Seats. Munich, Prestel Verlag.
 
Condition:
Both birds pinned at the legs; left bird additionally joined at the body. Crack on the pineapple (rear) filled. Seat surface cracked (broadside).