In much of African sculpture, there is a direct
correlation between function and representation.
Whatever is depicted by the sculptor, be it
human, animal or abstract deity, becomes an
essential part of the work of art; and both
elements combine to transform ordinary matter
into something extraordinary.
On this remarkable and powerful stool there are
a series of separate, yet interrelated scenes. One
figure with his hands raised carries an object that
may be a weapon or perhaps a musical
instrument. In the other hand he holds a Y-
shaped article very much like a yoke or house
post. To his right is a large bird, followed by a
female figure. She is naked and lovingly carved in
a semi-abstract fashion. Another male appears
on her right, also with his hands raised. He holds
what appears to be a shaft of wheat and a long
cylindrical object that is joined to the head of a
sheep. The last of the animals is a very sizable
tortoise. Of the three figures only the woman has
her hands by her sides. With her prominent
breasts she is probably a fertility idol; while the
men support the top of the stool, which may
represent the sky. Within the circular scheme of
this stool we see the basic elements of life -
man, woman, animal, earth and sky, and the
instruments which help make the land fertile.
Using basic tools and a stump of wood, an artist
has given us a simple and profound image of
life; an image whose meaning goes to the very
core of existence and extends far beyond
boundaries. This refined, yet grand context
explains why this stool was likely made for a
king or chief.
- (PF.4632)
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