AN ASHANTI STOOL, A YORUBA TABLE AND A GABON STOOL

Details

AN ASHANTI STOOL, A YORUBA TABLE AND A GABON STOOL
The first on five supports with carved embellishments to the borders; the table with two male and two female figure supports, the former holding a Shango staff and a calabash respectively, each in long striped costume, coloured red, black and white, by the Porto Novo master; and a low circular stool on five legs with central boss beneath, the seat with standing figure carved in low relief, black patina, perhaps Kota
47cm. wide; 43cm high; 28cm. diam. respectively (3)

Lot Essay

Regarding the table, William Fagg recognized the hand of the sculptor he called "the Porto Novo master" who was working at the turn of the century on the borders of Nigeria and Dahomey (now Benin). The carving would have been used in a shrine dedicated to Shango as indicated by the emblem carried by one of the male priestly support figures.