Caryatid Stool
Songye
1875–1925
- Medium
- Wood, pigment, and copper alloy
- Dimensions
- 64.8 × 33.1 × 33.1 cm (25 1/2 × 13 × 13 in.)
- Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago
Styles
Tags
Central AfricaauthoritysongyeFurniturestatuswood (plant material)abstract figuresafrican Artarts of AfricacarvingMalemetalworkingcopper alloyRankstool (seating furniture)metal
About
The image of a figure supporting a stool was probably introduced into Songye art in the 19th century by the neighboring Luba. This is one of a small group of stylistically similar stools featuring a muscular figure with splayed feet, flexed legs, and abstracted facial features, including a jutting chin. They likely served as symbols of rank and authority, although some could have been made for a European clientele.
