Lot 155
West Africa, Ghana, Asante (Ashanti), ca. mid-20th century CE. A commanding wooden prestige stool mounted on a lion devouring a prone figure with a gun cast aside. The piece is carved from a single piece of wood, with eyes inlaid with red resin and black pupils. Leopards were the dominant apex predator in West Africa and were traditionally associated with royalty until the 19th century, when lions were reintroduced during the colonial period. Over time, the lion supplanted the leopard in symbolism and popularity. While leopards were stealthy ambush hunters of the forest, lions, as open savannah hunters, came to represent boldness and power. The lion consuming a man could be considered a symbol of overcoming adversity or vanquishing an enemy. The presence of a rifle beneath the lion's feet suggests that the victim was not defenseless, possibly alluding to a white colonist, emphasizing the narrative of conquest and resistance. Size: 21" L x 10.25" W x 14.25" H (53.3 cm x 26 cm x 36.2 cm)
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection
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#189377
- Condition: Wear to surfaces, chips and abrasions throughout. Some staining and discoloration. Nice patina to the seat. Mineral deposits in recessed areas of the lion mane. Overall a large and interesting example!
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