An old tradition of chief’s chairs with high backrest and sculpted or raised decoration exists in eastern Africa, Ethiopia (Gurage), southeastern Congo (Tabwa) and in many tribes in Tanzania. All carved from a single piece of hard wood. Only chiefs and other high dignitaries sit on these chairs during public appearances, initiations, court hearings, funerals etc. The present ‘chief’s throne’ belongs to the tribe of the Nyamwezi in central Tanzania, as is suggested by the style of the central head sculpture on the upper end of the backrest.
The ‘throne’ is carved from a single piece of very hard wood. It stands on three robust legs. The seat is round. The backrest is decorated with openwork, features a crosspiece and is slightly ‘angled’ on both sides.
The carefully sculpted head rests on a double-cone ‘neck finial’. It has a slicked back plaited coiffure with a notched middle crest. From under the deep-set eyes two scarification marks in relief run downwards on both cheeks. The mouth and pointed chin protrude in a manner that is typical of the Nyamwezi style. The backrest is decorated with lines and zigzag bands in relief on the front side (only in the upper section) as well as on the back.
This ‘chief’s throne’ shows very old, impressive patina due to use and weathering. With an early original repair to the backrest, under the head (glued with black tree resin), age-related cracks and only few, minor pieces broken off. Otherwise in perfect condition!
19th century; H: 88 cm, diameter: 40 cm x 42 cm (the round seat). (ME)

Provenance: Belgian Collection.