Nupe Stool With hotsell Six Legs Large Nigeria African Art 143084

PRODUCT DETAILS

+ Type of Object - Stool
+ Country of Origin - Nigeria
+ People - Nupe
+ Materials - Wood
+ Height (in) - 14
+ Width (in) - 13
+ Depth (in) - 10
+ Overall Condition - Poor. Most ofour pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.
+ Damage/Repair - several cracks and some water stains

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

 

Additional Information: A large and  well carved stool from the Nupe, an ethnic group living in Nigeria. This oblong four-legged stool carved from a single piece of wood has design elements worked on the seat that are found on pottery hotsell and sculpture.

The Nupe are known for their sense of decoration on each of their artistic creation including the ceramic, carving and metalwork. The artworks of the Nupe are highly respected, even though the variety of objects they produce is very small. The limited nature of Nupe art is due to the strict influence of Islam, which has controlled the social and religious life of the Nupe for at least 250 years. Muslim law forbids the use of art objects that possess human figural elements, considering them profane. The Nupe, unable to express themselves in such fashion, instead developed a magnificent ability to decorate utilitarian and marraige-related objects with intricate geometric incising. They craft extraordinary carved calabashes and wooden bowls, fashion stunning terracotta vessels and pipes, and weave exquisite, highly-prized textiles. 

The Nupe live in the Northern Nigeria and in Niger. Their population is estimated to 1.0 million. As far as we know, the Nupe have always lived near the confluence of the Niger and Kaduna Rivers. Though often associated with the Hausa, the Nupe are not related to them in any way, only neighbors. In fact, the Nupe speak a unique language unrelated to any other. Prior to the 15th century, the Nupe were subject to the Igalas, who were subjects of the Kingdom of Benin, some 150 miles down the Niger River towards the coast. The mythology of the Nupe honors their relationship with the Igala, understandable considering the violent subjugation suffered by the Nupe at the hands of the Hausa, and then the Fulani, in the 18th century. They were converted to Islam at the end of 18th century. But part of their culture still shows influences from local traditions.

I have examined this piece and agree with the description.Niangi Batulukisi, PhD.

DL1022


SKU: 143084