This wooden hand carved Nupe stool has been beautifully painted with gorgeous and fun designs. It stands 17.5 inches tall and 21 inches wide and weighs 26.5 pounds. Several of the legs are shorter than the others, and there is prior repairs and cracking. Please see photos.
| Type of Object | Furniture, Stool |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Nigeria |
| Ethnicity | Nupe |
| Material | Wood, Pigment |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height (Inches) | 17.5" |
| Width (Inches) | 20” |
| Depth (Inches) | 21” |
| Weight (Pounds) | 26.5 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Some legs shorter than others; cracks and imperfections – see photos |
Tribe Information
About the Nupe People
The Nupe people have lived along the banks of the Niger River since the 15th century and were conquered in around 1830 by the Muslim Fulani people. Their art is therefore non figurative and mostly decorative.
Nupe houses are decorated with doors and posts carved with geometric designs, although there are some rare examples of animal designs. Circular stools, supported by varying numbers of feet, are presented by grooms to their brides. Traditionally they are used as 'prestige' objects on market days and during important meetings.
Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.