The Golden Stool is a sacred symbol of the Ashanti nation believed to possess the sunsum (soul) of the Ashanti people. ... These stools were made for chiefs and important people and were considered important state regalia. They were believed to contain the soul of the owner. The seats were crescent-shaped, and the stool was carved from a single piece of wood, reflecting the skill and talent of the stool carvers and not nailed together like European chairs. Among the Akan, a well-carved stool serves multiple purposes, in addition to providing a well-designed seat to sit upon. Among the Akan, when a daughter reaches the age of puberty, her father is expected to give her a stool that becomes not only her property, but also identification with her soul and being. Often stools will be seen with their upper corners worn from being leaned up against the wall or laid down on their sides, all to prevent someone else from sitting on it or worse a malevolent spirit could take charge of the stool and the owner’s spirit. Stools start out as a white wood and through time take on a burnished and well-worn hue. Designs of stools may vary depending on the inventiveness of the stool carver, and today many of the historical forms are either forgotten or interpreted anew.

Size: 59cm L x 31cm W x 46cm H

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