Songye-Style Caryatid Stool

Within many African cultures, the stool transcends functionality, serving as a visual and physical connection to royal kingship. For the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, stools featuring female caryatids reinforce the belief that inheritance and succession of rule run through female lines. Defined by her powerful legs and facial features resembling Songye masks, this stool’s caryatid holds the seat high, enshrining the ruler’s status as well as uniting him with his ancestors and spirits. Nail heads line the seat’s circumference and trace the angle of the figure’s arm, denoting material wealth and investing the stool with even greater spiritual power.