Traditional stool — Peulh, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 253

Description

This stool comes from the Peulh, or Fulani, a nomadic and semi-nomadic group widely established in Mali and West Africa. Carved from a single block of wood, this utilitarian object is a typical example of traditional Peulh furniture, designed to be functional, light and easily transportable.

Used in daily life as a personal seat, notably by mature men, this type of stool also has a symbolic dimension. In certain circumstances, it marks the social status or authority of a chief or elder.

The notches visible on the edge of the seat, although simple, may evoke marks of ownership, ritual counts or symbolic markers. Here, they seem to result from repeated gestures linked to its use. The absence of interior decorative carving distinguishes it from other, more elaborate Peulh models.

Entirely patinated by use, with a beautiful dark brown surface, it rests on four trapezoidal legs solidly hollowed from the mass. The condition is stable despite cracks and natural erosion of the wood.

Technical details

Type of piece

Mobilier

Category

Traditional furniture

Ethnic group

Peulh

Country

Mali

Materials

wood

Dimensions

H 16 × W 29 × D 42 cm

Weight

sup 6kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

253