Culture: Imbangala, Ethnie Litanda.

Hardwood. Honey/dark amber patina.

Very few stools of this ethnic group from the southern and western regions are known to be in the shape of a bird.

This one is very similar in design to the one found in Bastin’s book «L’Art d’Afrique Noire,» but it stands out with its honey patina and guilloche pattern on the seat.

The legs are folded, the neck is bent, and the seat includes a recess for the animal’s tail with incisions all around.

It also features the cross of Saint Andrew on the flat part of the bird’s head, similar to the Pwo masks (cross called «Chingelyengelye»).

Origin :

• Azan-Schneider Collection.

Related works :

• Gustav Aengeneyndt Collection before 1932 (In «Sièges Africains, Réunion des Musées Nationaux» 1994, pages 141 and 184, No. 113, Volkerkunde Museum Berlin).
• Stéphane Chauvat Collection.
• Michel Gaud Collection.
• Sotheby’s London 29/11 1993, lot 167. «L’Art d’Afrique Noire» by Bastin, very similar, edition 1998, page 189, lot 12.