Object Details
- Label Text
- When exhibited by Paul Tishman in 1971, this figurative stool was identified as being from "Kuma" peoples of the Upper Ubangi River region in what is now the Central African Republic. Later the attribution changed to the Boa of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is not a canoncal form, although the heart shaped face is a defining style trait of that region. In the past, several scholars have described this piece as being of questionalble authenticity or produced for foreigners.. This does not necessarily truly reflect the context of the African artist. The northeastern congo region is one where there has always been trade in objects and ideas between various ethnic groups, a practice that continued with foreign traders, hunters and government officials. One feature that may provide additional clues as to where and when this piece was made are the coins that form the eyes. French, they were designed by Edmond-Emile Lindauer and in this copper alloy material, were struck between 1917-1938.
- Description
- Wood stool on circular base, faceted semi circular top, projecting mask like face, wing like arms with relief of raised hands. French coin eyes.
- Provenance
- Paul and Ruth Tishman, New York, by 1971-1984
- Published References
- Sculpture of Black Africa: The Paul Tishman Collection. Special Addendum. City Art Museum of Saint Louis: August 20- October 17, 1971, 44, no.55
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Boa artist
- Date
- Early 20th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of Walt Disney World Co., a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company
- Medium
- Wood, coins
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 54.6 x 25.1 x 25.1 cm (21 1/2 x 9 7/8 x 9 7/8 in.)
- Type
- Decorative Arts
