Traditional Bamileke Throne/Chair (Black)
Traditional Bamileke Throne/Chair (Black)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Here is a seldom seen Bamileke wooden armchair/throne from Cameroon, with the astounding, well-renowned, always-striking traditional openwork pattern.
Hand-carved by Bamileke craftsmen from a continuous single tree trunk of the African hardwood known as kola wood, this superb armchair/throne is a prime example of rustic sophistication. It has the spider motifs, synonymous with the Bamileke people. This is the perfect addition to any contemporary living space, be it a high profile office or an estate that is looking to demonstrate a feeling of elegance and class. It will make a great tribal accent in a sophisticated, eclectic interior.
A fabulous authentic collector’s piece of living art, it is guaranteed to make a fine addition to any collection of African art.
These thrones/chairs are now found in modern homes and spaces across the world. It is truly amazing to behold a piece of craftsmanship that’s light and airy, considering the original massive chunk of wood used, and all carved by hand! Of course each piece is unique and no two can ever be the same and will depend on the individual log that was chosen for carving.
We encourage our buyers to please examine photos closely and carefully read the description and measurements of the items to avoid any disappointments. There might be what seem to be some slight imperfections; most likely they will show “flaws” consistent with production techniques, which only add character and charm to the item. Each item is described and photographed as accurately as possible.
If you have any question about any particular item, please contact Tribal Traces before you purchase. I am more than happy and willing to answer any questions you may have.
BACKSTORY:
African tribal art can now be said to have a secure place in the world art arena chiefly due to the likes of Matisse, Braque, Picasso, and Vlaminck almost a century ago. African seats in particular are of incomparable beauty and intricacy. The extraordinary sculptural power of some pieces is astounding in their ability to exhibit both minimalism and sophistication. This Bamileke throne chair is one such example.
The Bamileke/Graffi are native peoples living in the west and Northwest regions of Cameroon. Bamileke settlements, with their rulers/chiefs known as a fons, consider the fon to be the spiritual, political, judicial and military leader of the chiefdom/fondom and he is the main rational behind most artistic creations. Communication with the ancestral world that lies deep within the earth is an important Bamileke/Graffi belief. Carvings depicting earth spiders, a creature serving as the link between the ancestors and the living is commonplace. This stunning piece features the well-known earth spider (the abstract X pattern), symbolic of divine knowledge and playing a vital role in problem solving.
Habitually, tradition and culture would have it that such major wood carved pieces have the labour shared amongst several people. A first person harvests the wood, another gives the piece it’s rough form, a carver refines the details, a sander smoothens the surface, a polisher/painter/wax-er finishes it off, and finally, a merchant sells the finished item. It goes without saying that sometimes one person may complete more than one of the steps, but working together as a community is a highly valued and social way of doing things amongst the Bamileke/Graffi people. Due to the accepted practise of soaking the wood, it is in fact considered a somewhat disquieting omen if NO cracks appears with time.
PRODUCT DETAILS/SPECIFICATION:
Type of Object: Wooden Throne Chair
DIMENSIONS:
Height: 97 cm
Armrest Height (from seating area, up): 27 cm
Seat Height: 45 cm
Width (from armrest to armrest): 61/62 cm
Backrest Height: 55/56 cm
Diameter of sitting area: 49/50 cm
Circumference of seating area: 193 cm
Weight: 17 Kg
Cushion Diameter: 50 cm
Cushion Thickness: 3 cm
STYLE: Tribal
GEOGRAPHIC ORIGIN: Cameroon
DATE OF MANUFACTURE: Early 2000s
PERIOD: Late 20th Century
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES: Hand carved Kola wood
Painted and varnish protected
CONDITION: Good
CONDITION/WEAR/DAMAGE DETAILS: It is usual with tribal pieces that some minor, nearly imperceptible losses/imperfections exist. Reparation are consistent with production techniques. Losses have, in places, been reversed. It shows some minor scratches, cracks and chips, but generally in very good condition.
PRICE: CHF1570.-
