Pende Three Figure Stool Congo Rohner Collection
Width: 10.5
Depth: 8.5
Description
This Pende stool made of a dark wood with a polished finish depicts three detailed figures in different positions. Carved stools are highly personal items to the Pende.
The Pende, along with their neighbors the Yaka and Suku, can trace their origins to modern-day Angola, between the Atlantic Coast and the Kwanza (Cuanza) River. They were forced north to their current region during the Lunda expansion in 1620, which also resulted in numerous cultural influences. They are divided into two major groups, a western group who live just to the east of the Yaka and an eastern group who live on the western bank of the Kasai River. Although each group is culturally distinct they consider themselves as one people. The Chokwe expansion around 1885 engulfed most of the eastern Pende and some of the western group as well. Colonialism halted the Chokwe's expansion and allowed the Pende to reclaim their independence.
Loss of polish and breakage in the base. See photos for more details.
Provenance: John R. Rohner Collection
Rohner, a museum curator for decades, aimed his practiced eye for authenticity to African art beginning in the early 1908s. His passion for this art only grew through the decades he built his collection––always with an aim for a broad and representative array of pieces. The collection appears in his book, Art Treasures from African Runners (2000, University Press of Colorado).
Item #450 on pg. 194
Height (In): 12.0
Width (In): 10.5
Depth (In): 8.5
157288
Approximate Age: Early 20th Century
People: Pende
Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.