Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Luba or Hemba people, mid-20th century CE. A stool carved from a single piece of dark hardwood, depicting a kneeling nude female figure as the caryatid support. The woman balances the slightly concave circular seat upon her head while gripping its sides with both hands. Her body is adorned with incised scarification marks across the abdomen and torso, and her elaborate coiffure - carved in intricate geometric patterns - signifies high social rank. Such stools were prestigious symbols of authority among the Luba, with the female figure embodying the ancestral mother, bearer of wisdom and supporter of royal power. The dark surface treatment indicates it was probably made for sale rather than as a true chiefly regalia piece for local use. Size: 9" W x 15" H (22.9 cm x 38.1 cm)

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Ralph T. Coe personal collection; acquired in 2001 from Taylor Dale (TAD) Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.

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.

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#196291

  • Condition: Abrasions and chips to the surface, and some stable pressure fissures. The surface is coated / painted to resemble a dark patina.

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Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

August 22, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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