Description:

**Originally Listed At $600**

Eastern Africa, Tanzania, Zaramo or Kwere people, ca. mid-20th century CE. A lovely ceremonial tripodal chair carved from a single piece of wood, the backrest in the form of a mwana-hiti woman figure; her nude breasts in high relief and a distinctive double-crested hairstyle capping her petite head. The peripheries of the circular seat and backrest are incised with linear crosshatching and painted with black and kaolin white pigments. The seat sits low to the ground, supported by 3 thick and stable legs. The mwana-hiti figure was a significant and sacred symbol for women and especially young girls and her iconography was incorporated into dolls, instruments, and furniture - such as this fine chair! Size: 13" Diameter x 21.75" H (33 cm x 55.2 cm)

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

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#174029

  • Condition: Stable pressure fissure across seat as shown and on one leg. Surface wear consistent with age and use, abrasions, and chips. Nice patina throughout. Felt pads added to legs for stability.

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April 6, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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