Ashanti Headrest Stool Carved Wood Tribal Art Ghana Africa

Although the 18th century, the period of the Enlightenment in France, spawned thinkers who criticised the privileges of the clergy and the truthfulness of certain dogmas, the Roman Catholic faith was very much present in everyday life. Since king Louis XIV had issued the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685, Protestantism was banned. This Madonna with child illustrates the daily practice of faith. Like many 18th-century Madonna statues...

These sculptures are considered manifestations of their deceased ancestors and are placed in ancestor shrines.

An adze is a cutting tool similar to an axe but with a cutting edge perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel. Toraja people from Sumatra Island, used for wood carving, were made from nephrite (also known as jade) in the South Island. In the North Island they were commonly made from greywacke or basalt. At the same time on Henderson Island, a small coral island...

A finely carved significant Yoruba Male Ibeji figure with a tall headdress, expressive eyes, original bead belt and heavy wear and polish from native use. Areas of encrusted camwood ...

Standing Akan Ghana female figure, early 20th century, Africa. Intense expression with large eyes. Female figure with one hand on her breast, representing p...

c.1970 Carved wood H39 x W54 x D30 cm

An indicator of status and family, stools play an integral role in traditional Ashanti culture. Believed to be the resting place for a person's soul, a stool is given to a child when they first learn to crawl and used in personal milestones throughout the rest of their life. Carved from a solid block of wood, each stool has a rectangular base and a distinctive curved seat supported by a central column and four corner posts. While some ceremonial stools are carved to convey particular proverbs, this stool is simply decorated with scalloped edges, geometric patterns, and a small cross. The combination of shapes and curved lines makes this Ashanti stool...

Turkana tribal carved wood headrest, stylized human form, early 20th century, Kenya, African. Headrest from Kenya with attached leather, beads, buttons and a metal finger knife. Great sculpture...