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Ashanti,Amulet Stool
Tribe:Ashanti
Region: Ghana
Size: L - 23", W - 13", H - 16.5"
Weight: 13lbs
Material: wood
A stool is the most traditional seat in Africa. The Ashanti people believe that it
contains the soul of its owner. The legend says that the wooden stool covered
with gold was originally "brought from the sky" by the legendary
priest Anotchi. By his extraordinary spiritual power it descended slowly
and rested gracefully on the Ashanti King Osai Tutu's knees. It is said,
that the golden stool embodies the spirit of the Ashanti nation and was
given to them as a symbol of their strength. Absolutely no one is allowed
to sit on the golden stool and only on occasions of the utmost importance
when the stool is displayed to the people, the king sits behind it on
his own stool.
There are two groups of stools in Ashani art. The ceremonial stools with metal
ornamentation are stored at the shrines of ancestors. This
stool belongs to the second group of, so called, amulet stools or "nsebe'
gwa" carved for every day use. It is believed, that when one is uncertain
what decision to make, a few minutes of sitting on the stool will clear up
one's mind. The stool is regarded as a symbol of wisdom amongst the Ashanti
people.
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