A Rare and Exquisite Collection of 54 Ashanti Stool Models

Time Period: Mid 20th C.
Ethnicity: Akan, Ashanti
Origin: Ghana
Materials: Wood
Provenance: UK Market, Private Collection.

A Rare and Exquisite Collection of 54 Ashanti Stool Models: A Testament to African Art and Craftsmanship

Presenting an extraordinary and rare artisan collection of 54 miniature Akan (Asante) model stools, meticulously crafted as part of a unique commission for a sales apprentice. These stools are remarkable not only for their fine craftsmanship but also for their cultural significance. The only known matching or identical pieces are housed in the prestigious British Museum, underscoring the exceptional rarity and historical importance of this collection.

This set is far more than a series of beautiful artifacts—it represents a profound narrative of African art, heritage, and cultural symbolism. Each stool is a masterwork, embodying the spirit of African tribes and the power they represent. These models stand as silent yet eloquent symbols of leadership, community, and the rich traditions that have shaped African history.

The Legacy of Ashanti Stools: A Symbol of Power and Tradition

The Ashanti stool, a carved wooden artifact, is one of the most iconic objects in the traditional culture of the Akan people, native to the Ashanti Region of modern-day Ghana. Not only is it a utilitarian object within everyday Ghanaian life, but it also holds profound spiritual and political significance. For the Akan people, the stool is sacred—both a religious object and a tangible representation of authority.

Among the Akan, the stool serves as the symbol of chieftaincy. It is used in important ceremonies and is seen as a marker of leadership and royal lineage. Queen mothers, for example, are often depicted seated upon traditional stools, emphasizing their position of power and influence within their communities.

A notable example, the Asesedwa stool, holds deep religious significance. Carved in various shapes and sizes, these stools are designed to convey messages of authority, unity, and leadership. For the Akan, the stool is a vessel for the spirits of the ancestors, and it is said to bind the souls of the community together across both the physical and metaphysical worlds. The act of enstoolment, the installation of a new leader, is a momentous occasion in Ashanti society, and the phrase “a stool has fallen” is used to mark the death of a leader, signifying the profound connection between the stool and the identity of the ruler.

Among the most revered stools is the Golden Stool (Sika Dwa), which is believed to have metaphysical origins and is said to hold the very essence of the Ashanti people. This stool is crafted in gold, a metal reserved for royal use, and is considered the most sacred object in Ashanti culture. In contrast, the Mampong people possess a silver stool, illustrating the regional diversity in stool traditions across Ghana.

Ashanti Stools as Personal Relics of Authority and Legacy

In Ashanti culture, stools are not only symbols of leadership but also cherished personal objects. They are often gifted to family members by parents, as it is believed that over time, the energy of the individual who uses the stool becomes imbued within the object itself. This imbued energy lends the stool a spiritual and cultural significance that transcends its physical form. When a person is absent, it is customary to tip the stool, symbolizing their absence, further emphasizing the stool’s personal connection to its owner.

Craftsmanship and Structure: A Tribute to Timeless Design

Each of the stools in this collection has been expertly carved from sese wood, known for its light, whitish appearance. The traditional design features a rectangular base with concentric rings, symbolizing the intricate web of life and community. The central support is adorned with figural carvings that communicate power and authority, with a carved seat atop the support, where the ruler or leader would sit.

The stools in this collection are precise replicas of those in the British Museum, and it is believed that they were crafted by the same artisan, given the striking similarity in workmanship and design. This consistency speaks to the quality and attention to detail that defines the craftsmanship of the Ashanti people. Each stool is a unique work of art, and the inscriptions on the bottoms of the models offer an added layer of authenticity and historical value.

A Unique Acquisition for Collectors and Museums

These stools are in pristine condition, exhibiting only minor signs of age such as small cracks and chips that are consistent with their age and use. Each piece is a true masterpiece—delicate, yet strong in its cultural symbolism. For serious collectors, institutions, and museums, this collection represents an opportunity to acquire an extraordinary set of objects that embody the essence of African art and tradition.

We offer the highest level of care and professionalism in the packing and shipping of these valuable items, ensuring that each piece arrives securely and in impeccable condition.

Why This Collection Matters

Owning this collection means acquiring a significant piece of African heritage—an investment not just in art, but in history. These stools stand as powerful symbols of leadership, unity, and the spiritual connection between the Ashanti people and their ancestors. For collectors and institutions looking to enrich their collections with works of deep cultural resonance and extraordinary craftsmanship, this is a rare and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

References:

• “Ashanti Stools.” The British Museum. British Museum Collection.
• “Akan People and the Symbolism of the Stool.” Ghanaian Cultural Heritage.
• “The Golden Stool and Its Significance in Ashanti Culture.” Smithsonian Institution.