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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Hemba, Luba, Shankadi : Hemba Wooden Caryatid Stool
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Hemba Wooden Caryatid Stool - PF.4538
Origin: Southeastern Congo
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
15" (38.1cm) high
x 11.125" (28.3cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Wood
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
The Hemba come from Southeast Zaire. The
social system of the Hemba is based on a system
of clans. Each clan is made up of several families,
which all share a common ancestor. Each clan
adheres to a number of rules, obligations and
taboos. Each clan also has a thorough knowledge
of its history, migrations, conquests and
alliances. Sometimes a whole clan is a village
separate from other villages.
Stools are to lift the body off the ground. If you
are an important person you do not sit on the
ground, you sit on a stool. The stool signifies
that the person seated on it should receive
respect. Stools which use 'carved' people to hold
up the seat reflect back to the days when
important people used human slaves as seats.
This beautiful and elaborately carved wooden
stool is a perfect example of Hemba creativity.
The seat of the stool is held up by a female
figure. She is bold and strong, carved with
confidence. Her arms are raised skyward to touch
the base of the seat which is balanced on her
head. This particular stool was used for the
circumcision of young girls, a ritual which passed
them into womanhood. She represents the ideal
woman, elongated breasts, protruding stomach
of a fertile figure. She is a model for the young
girls passing into womanhood. She is kneeling
on the ground with her arms raised as if she is
about to bend in worship or pray. This stool is a
glorious example of its kind , its fascinating use
and strong example of Hemba art make it a
unique piece for any collection, or a solitary
example standing boldly on its own.
- (PF.4538)
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