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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Stool
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Stool

Artist/Maker (Mali)
Datenot dated
Mediumwood and brass tacks
DimensionsOverall: 14 3/4 x 9 1/8 x 9 5/8 in. (37.5 x 23.2 x 24.4 cm)
ClassificationsFurnishings
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2012.2.4
    DescriptionThe powerful, abstract forms of this fine, old stool are quintessentially Bamana. The female human figure is reduced to bold, sharply angled geometric volumes, with a powerfully compacted body below massive breasts. The placement of large brass tacks on the forehead and other parts of the body including the throat is typical. The erosion of the surface, especially on the breasts, suggests the presence at one time of ritual materials. The top surface, though badly worn on the edges, still retains traces of an incised cross pattern. The Bamana initiation societies, Jo and Gwan, most frequently mentioned as the ritual context for these stools, deal with fundamental principles of nature, the ancestors, and the fertility of crops and women.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Woman's Hat [Isicholo]
    Zulu people
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Power Figure
    Artist Unknown
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    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Jar
    Greater Nicoya
    ca. 300-500
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    Staff (Oshe Shango)
    Nigeria, Yoruba people
    early 20th century
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    Female Figure
    Nayarit
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Helmet Mask (Bo Nun Amuin)
    Baulé people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Female Figure
    Jalisco
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Female Figure
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 300-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Female Dwarf Holding a Staff
    Colima
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Incense Burner Lid
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Female Figure
    Nariño-Carchi
    400-1532
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bowl
    Tumaco-La Tolita
    300 BCE-200 CE
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