Large Ashanti Wood Prestige Stool w/ Water Buffalo

West Africa, Ghana, Asante (Ashanti) / Akan culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A finely carved wooden prestige stool, mounted atop a sculpted buffalo or bush cow, which itself stands on a six-legged base. The entire work is carved from a single piece of wood, showcasing both technical skill and symbolic depth. Notably, the rear legs of the lower base feature triangular projections along one edge - an elegant and distinctive stylistic element. In Asante culture, stools hold deep spiritual and social importance, often regarded as the embodiment of their owner's soul and status. The inclusion of the bush cow - equated with the forest buffalo or water buffalo - adds further meaning. Among the Akan peoples, this animal is revered as a symbol of power, aggression, and untamed spiritual energy, frequently associated with royalty and ancestral spirits. Referenced in proverbs, ceremonial regalia, and masquerades, the bush cow embodies both protection and peril, reflecting its dual role as a respected and feared force of the natural and spiritual worlds. Size: 24" L x 13.5" W x 17" H (61 cm x 34.3 cm x 43.2 cm) Item # 193672

Estimate:£112.12

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