Product Description
African Tribal Nupe stool Nigeria, early to mid 20th Century

NUPE TRIBE, Nigeria
Nupe stool, Nigeria early to mid 20th Century
Hand carved and decorated wood with a rich developed brown black patina.
This finely hand carved African stool was created by the Nupe tribe of Nigeria. The stool is carved from one piece of wood with intricate refined geometric patterns carved into the top and has seven tapered legs.
H: 12 1/2″ x Dia: 16″
African Tribal Nupe stool Nigeria, early to mid 20th Century
SOMALIA
Head rest early to mid 20th Century
Carved wood with rich natural patina
H: 4 3/4″ x W: 13″
Headrests are used by both Somali men and women while resting or sleeping. It is popularly believed that the headrest serves a protective function by elevating the head off the ground during sleep, thereby preventing any possible attack by snakes or scorpions. Men’s headrests, such as this one, generally feature a smaller base that makes them somewhat unstable to sleep on, while the rectangular bases of women’s headrests are usually more stable. Scholars suggest that this instability is purposeful as it prevents the user from falling into a deep sleep while guarding the herds at night. It is in this sense that the headrest itself has become a symbol of vigilance among Somali nomads. Headrests also play an important role in the nuptial ceremonies of Somali nomads. On his wedding night, the groom places the tubash (a sum of money) under the bride’s headrest. The morning after the marriage is consummated, the bride will use this money to purchase an amber necklace, the symbol of her new status.
Benin King Oba bronze standing figure, Nigeria, 20th Century
Lost wax cast bronze with a rich brown and black patina with light desert sand patina in some of the recessed areas.
The art of Benin is the product of an urban royal court, and is meant to symbolize and to extol the power, mystique, grandeur, continuity, and endurance of the ruling dynasty and its governing institutions. From the 14th century until its fall in 1897, Benin was ruled by the Oba, a divine ruler at the head of the political system of titled chiefs. Under royal support, a number of craftsman's guilds produced bronze, brass, and wood sculptures and embroidered cloth, all of which have become prized by museums and collectors.
H: 20″ x W: 7 1/2″ x D: 7 1/2″
JOSEF HOFFMANN (1870-1956) Austria
JACOB & JOSEF KOHN Vienna
Stool c. 1907
Mahogany-stained beech with upholstery fabric (new) designed by Josef Hoffmann by Backhausen, Vienna
Illustrated: Jacob & Josef Kohn 1916 catalogue (reprint), p. 37, Model no. 728/s; Klassiker des Modernen Möbeldesign, Dorothee Müller (Munich: Keysersche Verlagsbuchhandlung, 1980) illus. 85, p. 110: Jacob & Josef Kohn catalogue (reprint in Moderne Vergangenheit Wien 1800-1900 (Vienna: Künstlerhaus, 1981) p. 63; 1909 Jacob & Josef Kohn catalogue (reprint) in Bent Wood and Metal Furniture: 1850- 1946, Derek E. Ostergard, ed. (New York: The American Ferderation of Arts, 1987) p. 107.
H: 18″ x Dia: 14″
Price: $4,250
DONG OR MEOW PEOPLE Southern China
Spiral counterweight early 20th century
Handwrought silver (Dutch coin silver) with custom stand
H: 10 ¼” x W: 5 1/4” x D: 2 ¾” (dimensions on stand)
These beautifully dynamic spiral objects were worn on the back to support a ceremonial apron worn across the front.