A Bamileke Chief's Stool with Leopard Body...

Description

A Bamileke Chief's Stool with Leopard Body
Cameroon, c. early 20th century

Wood with black stain and patina. This royal stool is carved in the form of a crouching leopard, its body incised with circular motifs indicating the animal's spots. At the front, a mask-like human head with a plaited headdress replaces the feline head, merging human and animal imagery. The seat is concave with a zigzag design around the edge. The leopard was the paramount emblem of Bamileke kingship, symbolizing strength, authority, and spiritual potency. Such stools were reserved for chiefs and served as both functional seating and regalia in palace rituals. The combination of aggressive form and human-animal imagery underscores its role as a prestige object within the royal court. In good condition, parts of the circular base are missing or were removed in the past. Cracks, scuffs, high points rubbed and with minor losses, especially on the face.

Provenance:
Property from the Private Collection of Dr. John Ross, Sr.

Width: 17 inches

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