African Ceremonial Stools

Zaire

Extending from the Atlantic coast, across the entire catchment basin of the Zaire river, to the lakes in the east, Central Africa embraces a region that is among the most significant in the continent for figural art. A large number of people created an astonishing variety of styles and sub-styles here, some of which spread to neighbouring regions, thus hampering the attempt at classification. In Central Africa , as elsewhere, regional styles are therefore of greater significance than those that can be associated with specific peoples. Nor should it be forgotten that , even in a region so rich in art, there remains large areas where little or no figurative art is to be found.

Among the magnificently carved seats of this region, caryatid stools are especifically widespread. The caryatid itself-the form supporting the unusually circular seat with its hands or on its head-may take a human or animala form.

Caryatid figures are usually female, but this was not intented to impute to woman in such societies the rank of mereley servile bearers. The scar tattoo patterns on these figures reveal that the depicted woman were members of families of the higest rank, so occupying an social position. Most Luba art relates 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 ruler was literally as well as figuratively supported by a female caryatid figure, which also symbolizes the continuity of power in a matrilineal society. Elaborate coiffures and scarification patterns attested to the high rank of both the depicted female and the owner of the stool. These stools are among the most prized in Africa. The Luba are also known for their figurative headrests, which helped to protect their elaborate hair styles.

The most outstanding examples are perhaps those produced in south-eastern Zaire by the Luba and by the their northen and western neighbours, the Hemba, the Chokwe and the Zimba.