Description

Stools are closely related to royalty, as they were often commissioned as seats of kingship. They are also used by high-ranking elders and influential members within the community. Despite its functional form, stools such as this one are symbolic devices and are rarely used for sitting, if at all. Both abstract and figurative figures appear within stools, and are intentionally employed to represent and communicate different themes. The detailed carving of a single piece of wood and the use of bold colour and design make stools elaborate architectural pieces. This stool features a round high back, and depicts three standing figures below the seat, one which is mounted atop a donkey. A donkey can symbolize power or aggression, characteristics which evoke royalty and high stature. The female kneeling figure often acts as a spiritual vessel in Yoruba art, and is present here on the back of the stool. Blue, yellow, white, and black paint are used in combination with geometrical patterns to create an eye-catching design.