HEHE STOOLS, Tanzania

Although elegantly carved, this five legged stool was considered an everyday object. It has been vetted as authentic with signs of significant use and age.

Stools like those with high backs were originally carved for chiefs and are often referred to as chief's chairs, or thrones and were used during judicial and initiation ceremonies. They share their form with the neighboring Nyamwezi, Zoromo and other peoples.

This large anthropomorphic high backed chair is impressively carved from a single block of wood. The body of a female figure with prominent breasts body, a long neck and a well carved face with strongly defined features serves as a backrest. The chair shows evidence of much use, as the seat and back are smooth showing a dark patina and shiny surface. These large throne-like chairs were meant to portray clan ancestors, lineage heads or chiefs among the Nyamwezi and were also found among a number of neighboring groups including the Sukuma, Zaramo, or Hehe. Elaborate, sculpted chairs such as this were communal property and recognized as historical objects that identified the village or clan. Brought out for ceremonies and initiations they were reserved for chiefs who sat on them when hearing disputes and rendering judgments. The abstracted figure shaping the back has a slight enveloping curve to support the sitter physically and symbolically.    Dan Mato