Description:

West Africa, Mali, Bamana Dogon, Senufo People, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A massive wood panel with a slightly curved shape and a relief carved crocodile or lizard upon the outer face, while other side is scooped and smoothed for use as a chair backrest. These special seats are often attributed as birthing chairs, however this type was also used for prestiege. The missing seat was likely a separate panel inserted through the legs, perpendicular to this panel, which enabled the chair to fold or come apart for easy transport-ideal for semi-nomadic cultures. The symbols carved are protective, some meant to represent deities, and myths in highly abstract form. Size: 13.5" W x 50" H (34.3 cm x 127 cm)

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#176838

  • Condition: Missing seat panel. Old inactive insect bore holes throughout. Stable pressure fissures, and Losses and splintering to peripheries as shown. Nice weathered surface and patina.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

July 28, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000