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African Solid Wood Stool, Africa ca 1950s

Offered by: H. Gallery

Description
Carved wooden stools were widespread in Africa during the 20th century, especially in the region of sub-Saharan West Africa. African stools can have diverse functions – such as a household object, or to be used in rites of passage, as a symbol of chieftaincy – but one thing all stools have in common is the craftsmanship and history embedded in them.

Although round stools are ubiquitous in sub-Saharan Africa, their degree of refinement varies. Most stools, like this present one, are carved from a single block of wood. This cylindrical stool is carved with the grain running bottom to top. The visible carving marks create a rustic, elemental look where the creator’s handiwork is very apparent. Wide variation occurs in the carving of the support, as artists from particular areas produced stools that have a uniformity of design. Although the similarities may occur as the result of the specialized function of stools, individual self-expression is highly prized. Each carver has his distinctive style. In this stool, the circular seat is supported by three legs that are arranged geometrically under the seat. The artist created a variation on the tripod form, combining straight and curving lines, yet all the elements are contained within the basic cylinder of the original tree trunk. The seat is carved ergonomically to accommodate the sitter, which indicates that this stool was used actively, not solely as a decorative object.

Their artistic corpus of African stools is characterized by a mixture of realistic details combined with pure geometric shapes, playing on the empty and the full. This stool belongs to the more functional pieces with a focus on the material and the craftsmanship. As a result, it has a beautiful patina due to age and wear. Like most items in African tribal art, this stool is very special as it is a unique creation, containing a piece of Africa and its wonderful cultures in it.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood.

Dimensions:
11.61 in ⌀ x 11.81 in H
29.5 cm ⌀ x 30 cm H

Shipping:
This stool will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the item in the gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.

More Information

Origin:	South Africa
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Carved Wood
Condition:	Good. In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood.
Creation Date:	1950s
Styles / Movements:	Contemporary, Traditional, Other
Dealer Reference #:	20160006
Incollect Reference #:	478408

Dimensions

H.	11.81 in;	Diam.	11.42 in;
H.	30 cm;	Diam.	29 cm;

Message from Seller:

Located in Utrecht, The Netherlands, H. Gallery specializes in modern and contemporary design with a strong focus on Brazil and Scandinavia. The gallery strives to preserve and promote especially Brazil's rich design heritage and curates a select group of contemporary artists. Meticulous research, ie getting in contact with the original designers, producers, their heirs, and retrieving and indexing old catalogues and magazines is at the heart of its activities. All works presented excel in great

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