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Caryatid Stool

A work made of wood, pigment, and copper alloy.

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  • A work made of wood, pigment, and copper alloy.

Date:

Late 19th-early 20th century

Artist:

Songye
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Central Africa

About this artwork

The image of a figure supporting a stool was probably introduced into Songye art in the 19th century by the neighboring Luba. This is one of a small group of stylistically similar stools featuring a muscular figure with splayed feet, flexed legs, and abstracted facial features, including a jutting chin. They likely served as symbols of rank and authority, although some could have been made for a European clientele.

Status

On View, Gallery 137

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Songye

Title

Caryatid Stool

Place

Democratic Republic of the Congo (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1875–1925

Medium

Wood, pigment, and copper alloy

Dimensions

63.8 × 27.6 × 30.8 cm (25 1/8 × 10 7/8 × 12 1/8 in.)

Credit Line

The Art Institute of Chicago, Major Acquisitions Centennial Endowment

Reference Number

1992.64

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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