Ancestral Stool (Erhe)
Date: probably 19th century
Medium: wood and iron
Dimensions:Overall: 15 x 16 x 16 1/8 in. (38.1 x 40.6 x 41 cm)
Classification: Furnishings
Credit Line: Gift of Alan Potamkin
Object number: 2007.48.13
DescriptionThe base and underside of the seat are carved with images of turtles, fish, and pythons swallowing frogs, all inhabitants of the realm of Olokun, the god of water. The wooden stools of chiefs are similar in form to the brass stool of the king (Oba).