VINTAGE WOOD STOOL OR SIDE TABLE BAMILEKE FON ANCESTOR CAMEROON W. AFRICA 20TH C

Description

GJPaw
Auctions is pleased to offer a
stunning vintage, carved wood Stool or Side Table, depicting ancestors, from the Bamileke people, Cameroon, West Africa.
The Bamileke are native peoples living in three regions of Cameroon, namely West, North-West and South-West. Bamileke settlements follow a well organized and structured pattern; and these settlements are organized as chiefdoms, each chief known as a
fon.
The fon is considered the spiritual, political, judicial and military leader of the chiefdom and is thus accorded great respect. The artistic production of the Bamileke is closely associated with royalty and the ceremonies they conduct.  Large figures, prestige objects, chairs, thrones and stools are commonly used by the fon, as well as sub-chiefs, or
fonte
and other officials
to assert power and demonstrate their place in society. To the Bamileke, ancestor veneration is one of the most integral aspects of society, and communication with the ancestors is done primarily through “sages,” or medicine men.  One important Bamileke belief is that the ancestral world lies deep within the earth. In other words, the earth is the home of the ancestors, the place where the deceased continue to live. Consequently, many Bamileke throne chairs and stools depict ancestors or their intermediaries; the most famous and copied type depicting spiders, a creature serving as the link between the living and the dead because it burrows into the ground.
This superb stool is carved from a single piece of wood, and depicts ancestral figures, where the patterning motifs "echo" the classic "X" spider form, which is the usual way of representation
of this arthropod
in Bamileke art.
It
measures 28 inches in diameter by 20 inches in height (71.12 cm by 50.8 cm).
It shows wear commensurate with use, including scratches and minor cracks and chips, but generally is in very good condition, dating to the late 20th century. A fabulous collector’s item, coming from an important Midwest collection of African art, it is guaranteed authentic and would make a fine addition to any collection of African art in general.
This is the perfect addition to any contemporary living space, high profile office or wealthy estate that is looking to display a sense of elegance and class.
Please inquire for freight quote, which will include custom crating and packaging, and International freight to your closest port, business or residential address. Additional shipping options, such as freight forwarding or white glove service can be added upon request.
GJPaw
Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the globe at
Primitive
in Chicago.  Every object we sell online has been carefully hand-selected with special attention to detail, quality, and significance. We ship worldwide. Add
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