ngunja (carved stool)

unrecorded Chokwe artist, artist

ngunja (carved stool), late 1800s–1914

Where object was made: Angola

Material/technique: carving; wood; antelope hide

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 32 x 34.5 x 30 cm
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 12 5/8 x 13 9/16 x 11 13/16 in

Credit line: Gift of Claude D. Brown

Accession number: 2007.0324

Not on display

Add to portfolio

If you wish to reproduce this image, please submit an image request

Images

Label texts

Exhibition Label: “Conversation I: Place,” Oct-2007, Emily Stamey
The European form of these thrones was likely introduced to the Chokwe by Portuguese traders in the 18th century. Most of the objects and figures carved on them, however, depict traditional Chokwe customs and beliefs.

Archive label, Palmer collection exhibit, date unknown:
The Chokwe of northeastern Angola are noted for their adornment of chairs, stools, headrests, combs, and other objects of daily use. The chairs were especially rich in decorations consisting of animated scenes involving many figures and a complicated story line.