A carved wooden stool with a deeply curved, saddle-like seat, from the Tam Mayoh Chiefdom. Two standing figures support the seat, set between panels of interlaced openwork.

1. Form and Carving

The seat is deeply hollowed and edged with a border of cowrie-shaped motifs, with pierced, openwork ends. Beneath it, two standing figures with tall, grid-patterned headdresses carry the seat on their raised arms. Between and beside them are panels of braided, openwork lattice, and the oval base is wrapped in a plaited band. The sweeping curve of the seat is smooth and calm, in contrast to the densely carved, open base.

2. Rank and Context

According to the collection catalogue, the high officials advising the clan chief, the so-called notables, sit on their own stools. The height and size of the stool indicate the importance of its user. Here, the size, but also the elaborately carved figures and ornaments, indicate an important member of the clan society.

3. Surface and Wear

The wood is medium brown with a darker, smooth seat. The openwork edges show small holes and losses. Fine dust has collected in the recesses of the base.

Summary

A carved stool for a notable, with a saddle-shaped seat carried by two standing figures between lattice panels.