This stool depicts a kneeling female figure, with typically raised arms supporting the seat. The head of the female figure is relatively small, with the body - and in particular, the legs and genitals - exaggerated in size. Aluminium strips highlight both eyes, which is a unusual feature with stools from this region. Scarification's adorn the females stomach and darker colour variations of the wood has been achieved by scorching of the surface. The stool has a dry surface patina.
Ex Private Collection, Germany
Estimated Period: 1940's -1950's (Possibly Before)
Despite their functional form, royal stools are never used for sitting but, rather, are sacred insignia preserved within a king's palace. They serve as metaphorical, not literal, seats of kingship. The design of Luba seats of leadership may either be abstract or figurative. Those incorporating female caryatids give expression to the Luba conception of the female body as a spiritual receptacle that supports divine kingship.
Reference
Metropolitan Museum 'Royal Seat (Lupona): Female Caryatid' https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/310760
