ISHAN, STOOL 1, 14.5" hgt., $1200, Nigeria
Ishan stools, like those of the Luba, related to kings and important chiefs, who defined their power by the display of prestige objects during important ceremonies. Stools were among the most important of these objects. The leader who used this stool was literally as well as symbolically supported by four figures. The piece has been aged by use and exposure, is fragile but now stable.