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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Stool
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Stool

Artist/Maker (Cameroon)
Datenot dated
Mediumwood and stain
DimensionsOverall: 26 3/8 x 11 1/4 x 17 7/8 in. (67 x 28.6 x 45.4 cm)
ClassificationsFurnishings
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2007.48.110
    DescriptionThis piece is a marvelous example of the imaginative combinations and distortions of form that characterize Bamileke art. Bamileke forms are boldly expressive and, simultaneously, architectonic. They frequently use the human figure, animals, or some combination of the two forms as caryatid supports of furniture, drums, and bowls as well as on architectural elements such as posts and lintels and doorframes. The figure style is classic Bamileke, especially the irregularly carved, compartmentalized, chinless face. The characteristic form for Grassfields stools consists of a round seat with slightly raised, rounded rim, and openwork cylindrical support on an open ring base. The openwork forms here—a human astride a leopard with a human face—overwhelm and almost obliterate the recognizable stool seat and base. The human figure depicts a nobleman as indicated by the prestige cap he wears. His position astride the leopard suggests royal powers, yet he holds out a bowl (the stool’s seat) in his hands, which seems to be a gesture of humility. Perhaps he should be seen as a Fon making offering to his royal ancestors. Leopards are symbols of royal lineage and prerogatives. A Fon has the right to any leopards killed by hunters in his domain. All Fons in the Grassfields keep numerous ornate stools in their treasure houses, mostly stools that belonged to their predecessors. At least one of the stools would have been carved for the current Fon’s personal use. They all function as insignia of royal authority and are displayed, along with other insignia, on state occasions. Only important people have the right to be seated.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Benin Kingdom
    probably 19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamum people
    mid 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamana people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Fon people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamileke people
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamileke people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Asante people
    ca. 1960
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamileke people
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamileke people
    early 20th century
    Shrine Figure (Ikenga)
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Fon people
    not dated