1: An old stool of the West Pende. This is clearly evident in the style of the faces of the three caryatid figures. Carved out of hard, heavy and light-coloured wood in a single piece, and originally coloured black and brown. The three support figures, one man and two women, kneel between the round seat and the base plate. The man rests both arms on his thigh, the women cross them over their breasts. A very old piece, with shiny patina on the seat surface and occasionally on the figures. With early original repairs on the seat and base plate (glued with black tree resin), as well as with a few smaller, age-related breaks on the edge of the seat and base plate. H: 35 cm; DM: c. 26 cm (seat).
2: Another stool of the West Pende. A buffalo serves here as the supporting caryatid. Carved from hard, heavy wood and of dark brown colour. The buffalo stands on the base plate and supports the seat above with his horns and his tail. Also a very old piece, with shiny patina on the seat surface and on other parts of the stool. With minor damage due to age: breaks and cracks on the edges of the seat and base plate. An early original repair on the base plate (supplemented with wood and metal clamps, glued with black tree resin). Colour scuffing in places. H: c. 26.5 cm; DM: 26 cm to 29 cm (seat surface).
Both old Pende stools: First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Belgian Private Collection.

Lit.: 'Afrikanische Sitze' by Sandro Bocola, fig. 104 (Buffalo stool of the Pende).