Ashanti Stool

Description

Large wood Ashanti stool, painted, from the Ghana region of west Africa. 14" tall x 18 1/2" wide x 8 1/2" deep, from the early 20th century. In very good condition for its age and use. Carved from a single block of wood. This 19th century stool is a fine example of the Ashanti king stools. This piece has been in our private collection since 1982.
Stools indicate status, power and succession of chiefs and kings. Carved from single blocks, Ashanti stools traditionally have crescent-shaped seats, flat bases and complex support structures, which exist in many designs with symbolic meanings. Most had specific names and designated users. Ashanti stools are spiritual as well as practical. They were understood to be the seat of the owner's soul and when not in use were leaned against a wall so other souls passing by would not settle on it. Stools were generally known as dus or dwa.